Social distancing at health care centers early in the pandemic helps to protect population from COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 outbreak has been unequal across Spanish regions. The epidemic wave has been smoother in the Region of Murcia (RM) (6 deaths/100,000 residents). Physical distance from health centers from day 0 is an additional social distancing measure that confers an advantageous starting position in the fight against COVID-19. Late healthcare distancing measures are not as powerful as the early ones. •Physical distance at health centers early in the outbreak may smooth COVID19 spread.•Social media campaigns discouraging on-site contact with healthcare system could be decisive.•Telemedicine can be a big part of the answer, both now, and in a post-pandemic world.