US Embassy Alert - Movement Restrictions for Panama Oeste and Panama Provinces

[Denese A Rodgers]

COVID-19 Situation – Extended Curfew in Panama Oeste and Panama Provinces

 

On June 4, Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) confirmed 15,044 cases of COVID-19.

 

This weekend the curfew will be extended for Panama Oeste and Panama provinces. On Saturday, June 6 curfew will begin at 5 p.m. and will last until Monday, June 8 at 5 a.m. Curfew for all other provinces remains from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next morning.

 

MINSA also announced on June 4 that a health cordon has been declared in the district of Chiriqui Grande, and in the communities of Pantanal and Finca 1 in Changuinola, and Solución in Bocas del Toro.

 

On June 2, 2020, the Government of Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) published a resolution stating that anyone leaving their residence must be wearing a mask that covers their nose and mouth. Any individual not wearing a mask is subject to possible detention and fine.

 

The Government of Panama still maintains security checkpoints on the roads and prohibits most interprovincial travel.

 

MINSA reminds citizens and residents of Panama that staying at home, not touching your face, and washing your hands frequently are the best means of prevention against COVID-19.  It also requires the use of masks, even homemade ones, when in public.

 

The Embassy encourages everyone to prepare accordingly.  Take the opportunity to stock up on any medicines and food supplies you may need to shelter in place in your homes for an extended period of time.

 

Starting June 1, the Government of Panama ended the quarantine with movement restrictions based on ID number and gender. The quarantine and two-hour movement windows were replaced by a curfew from 7 pm to 5 am, Monday through Sunday. Children are also free to move about from 4 pm to 7 pm, accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caretaker.

 

The use of masks and social distancing are still required. This new flexibility does not permit social group activities, cultural events, festivals, visits to the beach, contact sports, or any other activity that violates social distancing.

 

Also on June 1, the second economic block opened. The sectors included in that block are: public construction, mining of non-metals, and industry. Religious sites, parks, social areas, and sporting areas are also allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity.

 

For more details about the Government of Panama’s plan to gradually reopen the economy, see the infographic in this tweet from MINSA or go to the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page (see link below). The Government of Panama will evaluate every two weeks, but the date for opening additional business blocks remains unknown.