Marcelyn

Thankfully we tested negative for COVID-19, actually twice, once in Mazatlan and then at Tocumen. A report for tests performed on January 2nd on passengers who entered Panama thru Tocumen Airport indicate 404 tests were performed and seven passengers were detected positive. Our test results at Tocumen were written in both Spanish and English. Confusing layout....I actually helped some individuals on where/how to locate test result information on their document. Yup....situation could have been a lot worse for us!!

This past December we took our first international trip since the pandemic started. We have a condo in Mazatlan (Mexico) and typically go there every Christmas season. Arranging the flights was not easy; we engaged Andrea Cook and she worked some miracles for us. We finally got our reservations completed, but they were changed many times (I recall at least five changes, and they were major changes, not just minor time shifts, etc.). Previously we were able to go from David to Mazatlan in the same day. Not this year. Copa was the DAV/PTY/MEX connections, and AeroMexico was from MEX to MZT. Two days travel outbound and three days travel inbound. The outbound trip involved an overnight at PTY (we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was substantially cheaper than the Riande), then the second day was from PTY to MEX, and onward to MZT. We finally got to our condo about 7:00PM. Two days of hassles and stress, but we got there safe and sound, although exhausted. Other than wearing masks (required) and face shields (not required, but something we do), the flights were nice and uneventful, but totally without food or drink service. We were given a bottle of water upon entering all of the flights. Whoopee! There were no Covid-19 tests involved in getting to Mazatlan. Sidebar comment here. A couple of days before we started our return flights we opted to get Covid-19 tests in Mazatlan. That was not easy because they all require appointments at least two days in advance. We didn't know that, but by encouraging (tipping) our driver he was able to call a relative who had a friend, who, well you know that story. We did get unscheduled testing completed. Cost was about $50.00 USD each (not including the $20 tip), and results (negativo!) were returned via email about four hours later. The return flights were not easy and quite stressful. Upon checking in at MZT for a domestic flight to MEX we were stunned to be asked for a copy of our Covid-19 tests. We had them, but questioned why. Mexico does not require Covid-19 tests for their airline passengers. Further this was a domestic only flight, as we were to overnight in Mexico City before heading south. We have permanent residency status in Mexico, so as a legal resident we should have been treated like any Mexican citizen, and they were not being asked for their tests. Only we were asked. What was going on? The agent, Guadalupe Hernandez, was incredibly friendly and helpful. We showed her our test results from the email on my iPad, but she needed them in writing. So she gave us her email address and we emailed the two reports to her. That was scary. Eventually we cleared the check-in process, which took almost an hour, and then went to the boarding gate to wait for our flight. At the boarding gate we saw Guadalupe again (she is multi-tasked). I asked her about the need to show our test results while no one else was being asked, and she responded with two comments. First, the airline knew we were enroute to Panama, and Panama requires Covid-19 testing for entrance. (We presume that we were the only passengers at Mazatlan for that flight who ultimately were going to Panama; safe to bet on that presumption.) Her second comment was that we would not have been denied boarding for the flight to MEX, but having the test "completed their documentation" (her terminology) for our reservation details. We get to Mexico City, and overnight. The next flight was extremely early and we were told we needed to be at Terminal 2 at least three hours in advance. So we get up at 4:00AM for a 4:30AM scheduled taxi from the hotel to Terminal 2 (the Hilton Hotel does not have a shuttle van). No problem checking in for the Copa flight to PTY, and we never were asked for a Covid-19 test. Arrival at PTY was at the furthermost gate at the end of that wing of the airport. Almost all of the passengers on that flight were through passengers going further south into South America. Only about ten passengers deplaned in PTY. The very first question we were asked (at the ramp door, not even one foot into the terminal itself) was whether we had our Covid-19 test results. We told the agent we did, but they were rejected as too old (not within the 48 hour window from arrival at PTY). We were shuttled to a Covid-19 test station in that wing of the airport. We were fortunate because there was no queue at the testing station. A few minutes later there was a rather large queue. We showed our cedula's and provided address and contact information to the first agent, and paid $50 each; credit cards accepted. We then immediately were shuttled to the back area for the tests. There were two holes in the transparent shield between us and the medical technicians. The paperwork went through one of the holes, and then she had to see our cedulas. She studied the cedulas and our faces quite intently. The test was described as a PCR (probe up the nose version) and was completed within a minute. We were told it would take 30 minutes for the test results and to wait outside in the chairs. The waiting area had been set up with many chairs, and right next to toilet facilities. At exactly 29 minutes after completing the tests, an agent came into the passageway and called our names. Both tests were (again) negative. Here are a couple of pictures taken at the Covid-19 testing station in that wing of Tocumen Airport. You can't see the chairs in the waiting area, but they are there. Onward we go to passport control. Only one passport control station was operating. The first thing upon entering that area was to show our Covid-19 test results. That required showing not only the Covid-19 test report, but also holding up our cedulas so that they could verify that the report applied to the person standing in front of them. Again, a lot of attention to identity details. There were several police officers in the area, presumably to keep things under control and moving as smoothly as possible. We then go to the passport control station. That agent moved slower than cold molasses in the dead of winter at the North Pole. I estimate at least ten minutes for the two of us to finish that task. There was a LOT of typing on the keyboard, much more than previously experienced. Maybe she was just a bad typist. Who knows. We overnight again at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The third day of travel again starts at 4:00AM, with a 4:45AM scheduled taxi (no free hotel shuttle van at that hour). The third flight was uneventful. Deplaning on the Copa flights is done one row at a time, starting at row 1. The explanation is that the procedure is done for physical distancing reasons. Fortunately for us we were in the front sections on those flights. The passengers in the rear probably had at least a ten to fifteen minute wait to deplane. Collection of our suitcases at David Airport was "managed" so that only about ten passengers were at the luggage carousel at any given time. Fortunately both of our suitcases arrived. And finally, upon exiting the David terminal was an experience with lots of people outside crowded around the one exit door that was in use. You have to keep pushing your way through to get out of the terminal. But we finally made it home. A successful but not easy trip.

With our first step inside David Airport for our first trip (Friday, November 27th) since the pandemic began, we were stopped by an attendant using a camera-like device to take individual’s temperature. Then it was a very long walk to board the COPA flight. After arriving at Panama a bus ride (20 passengers per trip) delivered us inside terminal. We had no luggage to claim, so we went immediately to taxi pick-up area. Very few passengers in Tocumen Airport. Boarding return flight was time consuming with attendant taking forehead temperature and carefully checking all hand-carry items. No food service; each passenger was given a plastic bag containing chips and bottle of water. Arriving in David, passengers were deplaned one row at a time. Walked to terminal and formed four rows waiting to pick up baggage. Only ten passengers were allowed at a time to obtain luggage from the carousel. No visitors allowed inside terminal. So guess where visitors, friends, and taxi personnel were waiting? On sidewalk outside the one exit door that was unlocked and allowed to be used! What a crowded mess! Airline passengers could not push their way through the crowd, and so could not exit the terminal building. Scary for several minutes until people finally moved away from exit doors. No Covid-19 test required for flights between David and Panama City.

Suggest this information should be posted on Chiriqui Life in the topic of Maggie List (Animal Care Resources of Chiriqui Province)

We bought two big bags of bananas, broccoli, pineapple, tomatoes yesterday. Clean store & friendly service by owner. Great prices, too!!!! We definitely will visit again 👍👍

Yesterday (June 2) was our first trip to David in two months. Arrived at PriceSmart at 8:50am. Only three people entering the store. Staff person sprayed each customer’s cart handle with sanitizer while another staff member checked individual forehead temperature reading. Some items on my grocery list were not available, but shelves were being stocked. Checkers were separated from customer by a clear plastic sheet hanging from ceiling area. When leaving the PriceSmart parking lot at approximately 10:00am, there were about 20 people in the queue to enter the building. Each business we visited allowed limited number of customers inside at a time. The larger stores also tested forehead temperature of customer before entrance. Face masks were used by everyone outside of buildings. Many businesses closed. One McDonalds was open. All vehicles entering Boquete were stopped at Caldera check-point. Staff sprayed car tires and a medically clad person registered each occupant’s forehead temperature. Took 10 minutes per vehicle during morning time frame. Not many vehicles on roadway. Almost like past years of no traffic problems. Overall it was a successful trip, and the first time both of us could be in the car together since the lockdown began.

Purchased two face masks from Magaly for DogCamp Boquete support. These masks are two layers of microfiber with cloth in the center which works as a filter. Washable. Come in a variety of colors. Maybe the best feature is eye glasses don’t fog when wearing this mask. $10 each. Available at La Granja pet store (near GAGO in Alto Boquete).

Boquete Market and the only community theater both gone. How sad.

Anyone know why banks now allow only $200 to $250 withdraws but still charge a $5.25 per transaction fee. True of all banks or which ones in Boquete? Allow only one withdrawal per day?

At 11:00am this morning (May 6th) I put on my face mask and gloves, and headed to the public health clinic across from Bomberos to get my flu shot. Of course, lack of parking was my first problem. Located a space about 300 feet down the street from the clinic and trotted back to join the waiting line. After a couple of minutes a young man wearing a face mask motioned me to step to front of the line and asked my medical need. Told him I wanted a flu shot. He instructed me to walk around the metal barriers separating two lines and join the other area. I approached the table (outside clinic door) where one lady checked my cedula, logged my name plus address into her book. Looked confused when I requested she make flu entry into my international “yellow book” of inoculations. The second lady realized what I wanted, agreed to the entry before she gave me the flu shot. Only a few minutes. No pain involved. I thanked the young man wearing the face mask before I trotted back to my vehicle to complete grocery shopping before the rain started. No appointment was made, and none needed. Total time less than 10 minutes, including the walking time.

With fewer vehicles on the road because of lockdown, these “cowboy” drivers are speeding, so probably more deaths will occur in these crashes. Be extra careful !! Stay safe !!

Alison.....Today (May 1st) is a holiday. All government offices are closed, so clinic may or may not be open for flu shot.

At first lots of hair from our rescue Siberian Husky from Magaly & Javier. Good diet and vet care is solving the problem. I agree with John 13....our vet said females shed more hair with change of season. Just keep brushing your Weasel. ❤️❤️❤️ To you for your new dog.

Anyone remember the public meeting at Boquete Library with John Feeley? Considering Varela’s economic agreements with China, could there be good reason for Erik Bethel with years of banking/finance experience plus speaks Mandarin to be named as US Ambassador for Panama?

Our electrical service has been interrupted daily (sometimes lasting several hours), Netflix reception poor (maybe because of heavy usage by stay-at-home folks), long waiting lines at grocery outlets, more & more empty shelves in stores, restrictive hours allowed for necessary errands like medical consults, “cowboy” drivers on almost empty roads, etc., with no end in sight to the quarantine. Feel like we are “camping out” in our home. The next scary situation is I may have to start braiding Bud’s long hair because no haircut !! The good news is that we have our water supply back today. Also used FaceTime teleconferencing to contact our US doctor for medical problem. Question: is Panama losing its attraction for many gringos? If foreigners avoid this area, plus continued low water problems for the canal, how can Panama sustain itself economically? Wondering what’s next.

Garbage service in the El Santuario area of Boquete is now limited to one day per week every other week during quarantine.

I’m seeing empty grocery shelves. Wondering if food delivery to Boquete is becoming a problem, or maybe limited number of stocking employees.

Last Tuesday (April 21st) Bud arrived at GAGO approximately 11:15 am to buy groceries. Couldn’t get into store parking area because three rows of vehicles completely filled the lot. He could not even get off the roadway to wait for space. Since seniors of 60 plus years have one time slot of 11AM to 1PM, what are they supposed to do? What is wrong with this scheduling picture? Wait, I know.....all these customers had a “permit” !! So my question is: How do I get my permit to do what I want to do? Ideas requested.

Pretty obvious that present attempts for quarantine is not working !!!!

Silly me !! I donned my mask and gloves to go shopping today (Monday, April 20) because I thought this was the assigned day for females to be away from their residence. Reckon not! I observed more males (in stores shopping, driving taxi, selling produce from back of their pick-up, walking along the street with shopping bag, numerous male vehicle drivers, etc.) than females during my quick trip downtown to buy groceries. Seems fines, taking away drivers license and car for 90 days, etc., is not a deterrent toward stopping people from doing what they want to do. Paying $100,000 penalty for holding a catered wedding or scheduling a birthday party during quarantine is 0.K.? I observed people walking their dog during last weekend shutdown days. Perhaps stiffer penalties are needed. Maybe these vehicles held for 90 days could then be sold at public auction or place offenders in stocks in the park. What’s the answer?

After grocery shopping on Monday (April 13) I was stopped by Police on Ave Central (not far from Mail Boxes). The officer checked that I was wearing mask and gloves then looked into the back seat to make certain no one else was in my vehicle. I was wearing a baggy tee shirt. My face was mostly hidden by the mask plus sun glasses, so the officer looked at my hair before waving me to continue. A polite inspection to verify that I was legally out of my residence on “Ladies Day”.

If expatriates are not following quarantine rules, this “LAW Decree No. 3, 2008” indicates those foreigners can be deported from Panama. The message here is follow the law.

My question is... Why no notice from US Embassy in PC about this requirement for foreigners with permanent residence (cedula holders) must carry their passport when out of their residence during coronavirus situation ? Did I miss something?

Yesterday for the first time in more than a week I left the house to go grocery shopping. Put on my mask and gloves, grabbed my shopping list and headed to GAGO to buy fresh vegetables. Joined the line of waiting customers outside the door. When it was my turn to enter the store, the door monitor insisted I use the hand sanitizer that was available. Even tho I was wearing gloves, she refused to allow me entrance if I didn’t use the hand sanitizer. So guess what...I used the sanitizer‼️ Located in short order, and then purchased my needed items using a credit card (so I didn’t need to touch money). Everything worked fine. People were shopping quickly to allow other waiting customers room to enter the store. Wrestled my filled bags out the door and into the car to head home. A very few minutes later as I arrived down the hill into Bajo Boquete but not yet home, I realized no credit card in my wallet!! Turned the car around and headed back to GAGO. Joined the “Customer Waiting Line” again, but concerned and with worry thoughts. What happened to that credit card? Were my gloves too wet with the extra sanitizer solution so I dropped the card? Bless her ....the door monitor recognized me waiting in line and handed me my missing credit card!! Boy, was I thankful for that honest GAGO staff member. Reckon I dropped my credit card somehow as I squeezed out the GAGO door, she found the card, and remembered me. I am a GAGO shopper forever.

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