Panama and the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic. Omicron and beyond

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Panama  considers fourth dose of covid vaccine  for older adults

Posted 31/03/2022

The vaccine advisors of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) are discussing applying a fourth dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against Covid-19 to older adults.

The national secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation, Eduardo Ortega Barría, indicated that the issue has been previously discussed and they were waiting for the proposals of the FDA.

Panama approved on February 18 or a fourth dose for immunosuppressed patients over 16 years of age, three months after their third dose

Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biological Evaluation and Research, said they have determined that the known and potential benefits of a second booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine with any of these vaccines outweigh the known and potential risks in these vaccines.

In addition, it said that the evidence considered for the authorization of a second booster dose after primary vaccination (two doses) and the first booster dose included data on safety and immune response provided to the agency, as well as additional information on the efficiency presented by the companies.

In making the decision, the FDA relied on safety surveillance data provided by the Israeli Ministry of Health on the administration of approximately 700,000 doses (second booster) of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, administered at least 4 months after the third dose in adults 18 years of age and older (about 600,000 were 60 years of age or older), and there were no safety concerns.

In the statement, the FDA also cited data from a study of 154 health care workers, whose antibody levels, including against the Delta and Omicron variants, rose two weeks after receiving the fourth dose.

The data emerged from a study published this month by Israeli researchers in the New England Journal of Medicine , which concluded that three doses of current-generation messenger RNA vaccines further boost the immune response generated. That is, three doses boost immunity levels, the fourth dose restores antibody levels to where they were shortly after the third dose.

The FDA authorization comes two weeks after both companies filed for approval of the second booster dose.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/panama-considers-fourth-dose-of-covid-vaccine-for-older-adults-1

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COVID-19: No deaths and ICU numbers fall

Posted 02/04/2022

No deaths from covid-19 were reported by not reported by Panama’s Ministry of Health (Minsa) on Friday, April 1, while .new cases are registered The Minsa reported that 6,127 tests were applied and the positivity was 4.8%.

Since the pandemic arrived in March 2020, the country has accumulated 8,170 deaths from the coronavirus and the lethality is 1.1%.

Panama has 2,523 active cases nationwide, of which 2,440 are in home isolation. Those hospitalized add up to 83, (75 in rooms and 8 in ICU).

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/covid-19-no-deaths-and-icu-numbers-fall

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Masks mandatory for Holy Week processions

Posted 03/04/2022

The use of masks will be mandatory in the processions that take place during Holy Week the Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, announced Sunday.

Even though the Ministry of Health (Minsa) has determined that the use of masks can be dispensed with outdoors during processions “it will be mandatory to use the mask, as well as the safety distance between those who participate.

The measure is in force throughout the Archdiocese of Panama, which includes the community of Tortí, in the eastern area, to San Carlos, province of West Panama.

Likewise, Ulloa recalled in his note that "the reception of communion in the hand, the use of alcohol gel, the cleaning of the area used between each celebration, as well as the orderly and agile eviction of the church to avoid crowds" is in force.

Earlier this week, the Panamanian Episcopal Conference issued a statement highlighting that it is up to the parish priests and their Covid-19 hygiene and health committee to determine the capacity of the churches according to the provisions established by the Minsa and the particular conditions of each community.

Some religious activities begin, on Palm Sunday, April 10

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/masks-mandatory-for-holy-week-processions-1

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No covid deaths in Panama for three days

Posted 03/04/2022

For the third consecutive day, Panamanian health authorities have  reported no deaths due to Covid-19.

The Ministry of Health (Minsa),  recorded 159 are new cases on Sunday, April 3.

A total of 4,641 tests were applied with positivity of 3.4%.

Active cases total 2,240, of which 75 are hospitalized, 68 in a room, and 7 in intensive care.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/no-covid-deaths-in-panama-for-three-days

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Parades, fairs, discos  return to  Panama life

Posted 07/04/2022

Panama moves one step closer to post-pandemic normality with the publication on April 6  of an Executive Decree that allows the holding of craft, cultural, agricultural, and commercial fairs, as well as dance events, discos, and live music, and cantaderas.

The decree, carrying the signatures of President Cortizo and the Minister of Health in charge Ivette Berrío, indicates that during these events all biosecurity measures ordered by the Covid-19 pandemic must be complied with.

The QR code or vaccination card with a complete scheme must be presented at the entrances of the events and comply with biosecurity measures, such as the use of masks, no handshaking and physical distancing.

Parades of carts, allegorical cars, bands, and the like are also allowed with delegations limited to 50 people, who must comply with the due distance between one delegation and another, keeping self-care measures such as the use of masks etc.

The Ministry of Health, together with the security forces, will ensure compliance with the established measures.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/parades-fairs-discos-return-to-panama-life

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Slowdown in infections means closure of covid hospital

Posted 08/04/2022

The slowdown in the transmission of Covid-19 has had a positive influence on both hospitalization and deaths, due to the reduction in the incidence of serious cases says the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in a report published on April 5.

The report details that in the last week (March 27 to April 2) one of the lowest historical averages of the pandemic was reached as an average of one death per day, with several days without deaths and with a maximum of three deaths.

Epidemiology data from the Ministry of Health (Minsa) and PAHO show that in the last week a total of seven deaths were registered.

From week 9 (February 27 to March 5) a progressive decrease in deaths is observed, with a reduction of 70.8% in the last two weeks, going from 24 deaths in week 11 (March 13 to 19) to 7 in the last two weeks.

Hospitalizations, in week 13 (March 27 to April 2), in the ward and in intensive care units (ICU/semi-ICU) decreased by 18.2% and 15.4%, respectively, compared to week 11 (March 13 to 19).

The daily average admissions to the room went from 113 in week 11 (March 13 to 19) to 83, varying between 66 and 90; Likewise, a reduction in the average number of patients in the ICU/semi-ICU was observed, going from 16 to 12 in week 13, with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 15 admissions to said service. The decrease in hospitalizations led authorities to suspend services at the Covid Hospital, enabled in the City of Health, as of April 15.

CSS reports, on April 6,  show that there are only 2 patients with Covid-19 in the facilities.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/slowdown-in-infections-means-closure-of-covid-hospital

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Holy Week alert : pandemic is not over – Health Ministry

Posted 11/04/2022

 The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has reiterated its call to the population to continue with the biosecurity measures to avoid the spread of Covid-19 while warning that the pandemic has not finished.

With the relaxation of some biosecurity measures, processions and other acts have been scheduled in various religious communities in the country, which involve crowds of people.

In addition, the movement of thousands of people to the interior is anticipated.

“We are doing things right and the most important thing is that people are complying with the indications, but we must bear in mind the resurgence of the strains and we have to be careful with that to avoid what has happened to us with the variants and we must not lower the guard”, said Melva Cruz, general director of Health of the Minsa. She stressed that the use of masks is mandatory in closed places and in open spaces where distancing cannot be met.

“During Holy Week activities, where processions have been allowed, it is important to continue with biosecurity measures,” Cruz said.

She added that care must be taken that the participants in the activities have the mask well placed and it is advised to continue using alcohol gel.

Beach activities

The authorities recommend that when attending beaches and rivers, it is done within the so-called family bubble.

Also remember to wear the mask in waiting lines, on commercial premises, and in places where it is not possible to maintain a distance of one meter from other people.

Dance activities are allowed but require a QR code or vaccination card for a capacity of 100%.

Also for a capacity of 50% with due distance and with due notification to the respective Health Region.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/holy-week-alert-pandemic-is-not-over-health-ministry

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No Covid-19 deaths for second consecutive day

On Thursday, March 14 for the second day running no deaths from Covid-19 were recorded in Panama, by the Ministry of Health (Minsa). Health teams detected 364 new positive cases after the application of 5,767 tests, reflecting a positivity of 6.3% There are 2,648 infected people, and 85 hospitalized and 10 in the Intensive Care Unit.

Posted 15/04/2022

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/no-covid-19-deaths-for-second-consecutive-day

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New covid cases up 8% but fifth wave discounted

Posted 17/04/2022

The epidemiological week Saturday (April 10 to 16) closed with 1,836 new Covid-19 infections,  an increase of 8 % over the previous week but doesn’t herald the start of a fifth wave.

Specialists in managing the pandemic generated by Covid-19 estimate that there could be a slight rebound in new cases in the coming days.

In the epidemiological week (April 10 to 16), 1,836 new cases of Covid-19 were reported, that is, an average of 262 infections per day. This is a slightly higher figure than last week (April 3-9), when the average was 243 cases per day.

The trend of one death per day continues, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health (Minsa).

Eduardo Ortega Barría, advisor to the Covid-19 Panama Vaccine Research Consortium, stressed that in the coming days there could be a slight increase in cases since the provision for the use of a mask in open spaces was suspended in the country and due to the Easter activities.

Even so, he considers that the current situation is positive since there are almost no deaths and few are hospitalized.

“As long as deaths and hospitalizations do not increase, we are fine. I don't think there will be a fifth wave, but there will be upticks,” he added.

He stressed that the pandemic is not over, because while there are regions like Africa, where only 20% of its population has been vaccinated, there is still a risk of the appearance of new variants.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/new-covid-cases-up-8-but-fifth-wave-discounted

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COVID-19: No deaths for four days

Posted 17/04/2022

No deaths from Covid-19 have been reported since  Wednesday, April 13. There was one death on Monday, April 12, and another on Tuesday 11 for a cumulative total of 8,178 deaths and a lethality of 1.1%. Active cases total 2,469 while those hospitalized add up to 81, (69 in the ward and 12 in  ICU).

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/covid-19-no-deaths-for-four-days

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COVID-19: Panama “fairly stable” but  authorities continue to worry

Posted 21/04/2022

Health Minister, Luis Francisco Sucre, declared on Thursday, April 21, that Panama is experiencing a “fairly stable” situation regarding Covid-19, but stressed that it is not time for the health authorities to stop worrying about the virus.

Sucre said on TVN that according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), after a country remains below 5% positivity, it indicates that the new coronavirus is under control.

Panama experienced this scenario for four or five weeks, however, the positivity rate has increased almost imperceptibly and on Wednesday, April 20, it was registered at 7.4%.

"That takes us out of the area that PAHO has stipulated, however, thank God, Panama continues to evolve," he told TVN News.

He reiterated that the current situation does not cease to worry them as health authorities, but said that in Panamanian health facilities "there are almost no patients."

Sucre stressed that the Panamanian population has continued to use the mask outdoors despite the fact that it is no longer mandatory. "Everyone has to learn to take care of themselves and reduce risks... and know where to use biosecurity measures."

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/covid-19-panama-fairly-stable-but-authorities-continue-to-worry

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COVID-19:  Two deaths and positivity climbs

Posted 22/04/2022

The Ministry of Health confirmed on Friday, 542 new coronavirus infections and  6,484 tests for a surge in the positivity of 8.4%. Two people have died bringing, the total number of deaths to 8,182.  Active cases total 3,328,  of which 72 are hospitalized, 65 in the ward, and 7 in ICU.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/covid-19-two-deaths-and-positivity-climbs

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Covid pandemic is not over and  use of masks recommended

Posted 23/04/2022

Covid-19 variants of concern continue to circulate and we could see “a resurgence of cases and deaths at any time," the use of masks remains  a recommended  measure  said Ciro Ugarte, Director of Health Emergencies at the weekly conference of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The advice comes despite the fact that in some countries the incidence of Covid-19 has a downward trend.

Since March 28, in Panama, the use of masks in open spaces or places is not mandatory, although the Health authorities recommend using them in case of crowds. The standard remains in force indoors.

“The recommendation is still valid. In any scenario, the use of masks is still recommended, ”said Ugarte.

He reiterated that this protection measure against the virus can be taken voluntarily, but as long as there is a close relationship with early detection and response mechanisms." The recommendation is that personal protection should be applied in all situations," said Ugarte.

“I want to reiterate, the Covid-19 pandemic is not over yet.”

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/covid-pandemic-is-not-over-and-use-of-masks-recommended

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Colombia to lift mask mandate on May 1

Ivan Duque

Posted 25/04/2022

The Colombian Government announced on Monday that as of May 1, the use of the mask in closed places will not be mandatory in municipalities that have more than 70% of their population fully vaccinated against covid-19 and the vaccination card  will not be required in mass activities.

The Colombian president, Iván Duque, said that the measure to eliminate the use of face masks will not be applicable in health services, nursing homes, public transport and closed spaces in schools. and other educational institutions.

He also reported that as of May 1, the vaccination card will no longer be required in public and private events of a massive nature, a measure that will also be applied in other places such as bars, pubs, museums, libraries and cinemas.

"All biosafety measures will also be repealed, with the exception of those that concern health systems and services," said Duque.

For international travelers, the Colombian head of state said that it is advisable to "arrive in the country with complete vaccination schedules."

"Those who do not have complete schemes or are not vaccinated will require a negative PCR test that does not exceed 72 hours. An antigen test that does not exceed 48 hours may also be presented," he said.

The president pointed out that despite Colombia's progress in the fight against the pandemic, whose numbers of infections and deaths have dropped to the levels of two years ago, when covid-19 arrived in the country, it is necessary to take other measures.That is why the health emergency in the national territory will be extended, from May 1 to June 30, which allows the Government to take extraordinary measures if necessary.

Vaccination progress
Duque explained that all these measures are taken based on the progress of the National Vaccination Plan."We have more than 83% of Colombians with at least one dose, and we are just a few days away from reaching 70% of the country with a double dose," he explained.

According to the president, of the 50 million Colombians, more than 11.2 million also have a booster dose.

The coronavirus pandemic has so far left 6,091,343 infections in the country and 139,778 deaths, according to figures from the Ministry of Health.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/colombia-to-lift-mask-mandate-on-may-1

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President warns of new  surge in covid cases

Posted 27/04/2022

President of Laurentino Cortizo, warned during a cabinet meeting in Capira on Wednesday, that it is not good that there is a notable increase in the positivity of Covid-19 cases at the national level.

The president stressed that although the number of hospitalized is not increasing, the positivity of infections has skyrocketed.

Cortizo stressed that it is important to continue with the campaign so that people get vaccinated and get the doses they need.

“It is important that every time we go out in the media we emphasize that positivity is skyrocketing at the national level and that is not good,” Cortizo told government officials during the Cabinet Council session.

The president expressed that there is a sense of security in the population and that the issue of the pandemic has passed, reiterating that the percentage of positivity is increasing considerably.

“If we go, for example, to the number of people in the ward or in the ICU [hospitalized], we are not seeing that increase that gives us those yellow lights [alert], but the contagion is increasing,” Cortizo said.

According to the figures reported by the Ministry of Health, (Minsa) on Tuesday, April 26, 744 new infections were registered, for positivity of 9.9% but even as he spoke Minsa was registering a further surge with 845 new infections and positivity of 11.2%.

In the country, no more than 700 cases were registered in one day since last February 24, when there were 787 cases.

The Panamanian scientist Paulino Vigil-De Gracia highlighted on his Twitter account that there are signs of the possibility of a fifth wave of the coronavirus.

This Sunday, April 24, positivity was 6.3%, then on Monday, April 25, it was 7.08%, and this Tuesday, April 26, it was 9.9%, and Wednesday 11.2%.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/president-warns-of-new-surge-in-covid-cases

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COVID-19: One death 874 new cases as positivity climbs

Posted 29/04/2022

Panama reported one death from covid-19  on Thursday for a cumulative  8,184 deaths and a fatality rate of 1.0%.To date, There are 874 are new positive cases. In the last 24 hours, 7,156 tests were applied for positivity of 12.2%.

Active cases total 5,242  with 95 hospitalized, 87 in the ward and 8 in ICU.

According to the  Ministry of Health (Minsa), the places that have reported an increase in cases in the last 24 hours are San Francisco, Rufina Alfaro, Bella Vista, Juan Díaz, and Penonomé.

Given the increase in positive cases  Health Minister  Luis Francisco Sucre reiterated the call to the population not to let their guard down, to get vaccinated, and to use the mask correctly.

Sucre said that positivity exceeds 12%, so, although the vaccine does not protect against contagion by Covid-19, it is an effective weapon to avoid serious conditions, since it reinforces the immune system. against the virus.

He reiterated that the health system in Panama is not saturated, but recommended maintaining biosafety measures since other countries are even experiencing a seventh wave.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/covid-19-one-death-874-new-cases-as-positivity-climbs

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Panama on verge of fifth wave of covid-19

Posted 01/05/2022

Although hospitalizations remain stable and almost no deaths from Covid-19 are reported, Panama is on the verge of a fifth wave according to public health specialist Jorge Luis Prosperi

The doctor left a message to the population, especially those over 50 years old: “do not abandon biosecurity measures and look for your third or fourth dose of the vaccine.”

April ended with a rebound in cases, and a decrease in deaths, compared to previous months. April averaged 378 infections per day, while in March there were 301 cases. Deaths from Covid-19, in March, averaged three per day, in April one death occurred every two days.

Although both authorities of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) and specialists argue that the pandemic is under control because there is no increase in hospitalizations and deaths, at the end of this week they called on the population to comply with biosecurity measures.

On Friday and Saturday, there were more than 900 new infections each day, something that had not happened since February 22.

According to Minsa statistics, this epidemiological week (April 24 to 30) 4,934 cases of Covid-19 were reported, which is equivalent to an average of 705 cases per day. This is an increase of 71% if one takes into account that last week (April 17 to 23) there were 413 infections each day.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-on-verge-of-fifth-wave-of-covid-19

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Covid-19 cases zoom in 9 provinces

Posted 04/05/2022

cases of Covid-19 have increased in nine of the ten provinces of Panama, according to the latest report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The highest incidence of cases, between epidemiological weeks 15 (April 10 to 16) and 17 (April 24 to 30), was registered in the province of Coclé, which went from 68.8 to 264.4 cases per 100,000. Population an increase of 248.5%.

Then came the provinces of Herrera, which rose from 102 cases to 355.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, Darien went from 8.3 to 28.9 cases, West Panama from 32.2 to 104.2 cases, Los Santos from 213.1 to 660.5 cases, and Panama increased from 38.2 to 105.1 cases.

PAHO highlights that stability is observed in two regions: Bocas del Toro reports 6.8 and 6.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the corresponding SE15 and SE17 and the Ngäbe Bugle region with 2.1 cases in both weeks.

In Guna Yala, there are no cases for six consecutive weeks.

The figures also reflect that all age groups show an increase in incidence between EW 15 and EW 17.

The international organization specifies that the greatest change occurs in the group of 20 to 39 years, which went from 42.4 to 118.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This represented an increase of 178.8%.

Then follows the group of those under 20 years of age who go from 33.6 to 92.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (an increase of 175.6%), that of 60 to 79 goes from 47.9 to 131.8 cases (175.1%), that of 40 to 59 years it goes from 48.1 to 121.6 cases (152.8%) and the group of 80 and over goes from 57.5 to 129.6 cases (125.4%).

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/covid-19-cases-zoom-in-9-provinces

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Health Minister confirms Panama facing  5th covid wave

Posted 06/05/2022

The Minister of Health Luis Francisco Sucre, confirmed Friday that Panama is facing the fifth wave of Covid-19, but emphasized that the number of complicated cases is low.

According to Minsa data, in recent weeks there has been a notable increase in infections, even in the first five days of May, 5,845 were reported, a little less than half of those registered in April (11, 884).

“We have had a sharp increase in the number of cases. However, despite the positive cases and the increase in positivity, we are relatively calm," Sucre said in an interview with RPC Radio.

“It does not take away our concern about the increase in cases, but it gives us some peace of mind to continue maneuvering and looking for mild measures that do not impact the social movement.”

He explained that this increase in infections had been estimated after eliminating the mandatory use of masks in open places and due to the concentration and mobilization of people for Holy Week.

They also knew that family gatherings without masks would cause an increase in cases.

Sucre warned that the mask is not being used correctly both in open and closed spaces. And said that crowds have been detected in open places and that people are without masks.

Without a mask, in open places, there must be an appropriate distance.

He also said that they have reports that in closed places, such as in public and private offices, the mask is not being used properly either.

Thursday’s epidemiological report from the Minsa, the active cases of Covid-19 at the national level total 9,669, of which 9,544 are in home isolation and 125 hospitalized. 109 in the Ward and 16 in intensive care.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/health-minister-confirms-panama-facing-5th-covid-wave

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Debauchery” and improper mask use spike covid surge

500,000 people are unvaccinated.

Posted 07/05/2022

"More than freedom in terms of the use of masks, there has been debauchery, and precautionary measures are not taken," said Lourdes Moreno, national head of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health (Minsa),  on Saturday, May 7.

She was responding to a surge in cases of covid-19 in the last week

"People have had a relaxation, a debauchery is not following biosafety standards," the official complained.

 Two deaths and 1,919 new cases were reported on Friday, May 6 by the Minsa. With these deaths, the number of deceased people increased to 8,191.

Moreno said that there have been many activities, such as dances and concerts, where there has not been a correct use of masks. " We must be aware that masks are the first protection barrier " she added.

For the coming weeks, Moreno said that an increase in cases and hospitalizations due to SARS-CoV-2 is expected. However, she trusts that this will not overwhelm the care in the health system.

"We are prepared for care but we do not want them to be hospitalized, just one death is unfortunate," Moreno said

Similarly, the official urged citizens to complete the anticovid vaccination scheme, which consists of three doses. The fourth dose has been left optional but recommended, she emphasized.

“There are more than 500,00 people with zero doses. Unfortunately, hospitalizations in rooms and intensive care are in older people, ”she pointed out.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/debauchery-and-improper-mask-use-spike-covid-surge

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COVID-19: 1 death 13,336 active cases, 21.1% positivity

Posted 08/05/2022

The districts with the highest incidence on Sunday are Santiago in Veraguas, with 88; Penonomé, in Coclé with 81, and Juan Díaz, in the district of Panama with 80. Bethania and Chitré, in Herrera, registered 55 cases each.

According to the Health Ministry (Minsa)  on Sunday 7,655 tests were applied of which 1,615 were positive, for positivity of 21.1%.

While there are 13,336 active cases throughout the country, 13,164 of them are in isolation and 162 are hospitalized (145 in wards and 17 in ICU).

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/covid-19-1-death-13336-active-cases-211-positivity

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Covid-19: One death and 1,359 new cases

Posted 09/05/2022

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) in its epidemiological report on Monday, May 9 announced one death and 1,359 new cases of covid-19 and 6,080 tests for a 22.8% positivity

Active cases add up to 13,732, of which 13,577 are in home isolation and 155 hospitalized (136 in the ward and 19 in intensive care units.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/covid-19-one-death-and-1359-new-cases

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New covid cases top 3,000 for 2nd day running – 5 deaths

Posted 11/05/2022

For the second consecutive day, Panama exceeded 3,000 d new infections of covid-19 , while positivity is above 20% and in the last hours, 5 deaths have been registered due to the virus.

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported Wednesday 3,324 new cases were confirmed after the application of 15,473 tests, which showed positivity of 21.5%.

In addition, the Minsa details that 5 deaths were registered. Since the pandemic arrived in the country in March 2020, Panama has accumulated 8,199 deaths with lethality of 1.03%.

There are 18,644 active cases of which 18,474 are in home isolation and 170 hospitalized. Those hospitalized are 149 in the ward and 21 in intensive care.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/new-covid-cases-top-3000-for-2nd-day-running-5-deaths

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COVID-19 cases at 21,419 with 3,514 new infections

Posted 12/05/2022

Active cases of covid-19  climbed to 21,413 after 3,514 new infections were detected on Thursday, May 12 which shows positivity of 21.7%, according to a report from the Ministry of Health (Minsa). Most of the cases correspond to the Omicron B-A1 and B-A2 variants. 185 hospitalizations increased to 185 (64 in the ward and 21 in ICU).

The Minsa reminded the population that this weekend the vaccination in shopping centers such as Soho Mall, Albrook Transport Terminal, Alta Plaza, Metro Mall and Los Andes Mall, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/covid-19-cases-at-21419-with-3514-new-infections

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New covid-19 cases surge to 2,744 daily

Posted 15/05/2022

The fifth wave of covid-19 is being marked by a constant increase in new cases, but with a stability in deaths.

In the epidemiological week that ended on Saturday (May 8 to 14), 19,421 new infections were reported, which represents an average of 2,774 per day. This is a higher figure than the previous week (May 1 to 7), when there were 10,436 cases, for a daily average of 1,491.

The average of one death per day has been maintained for several weeks.

Statistics from the Health Ministry (Minsa) show that some days this week the barrier of 3,000 new daily cases was passed, something that had not happened since February 9.

For the advisor to the Covid-19 Panama Vaccine Research Consortium, Eduardo Ortega, unlike other waves of covid-19, this time there is no relationship between the number of cases and mortality, since there are many cases and few deaths.

Ortega, says this is, in part, thanks to the fact that there is a high percentage of the population that is immune.

There are 24,653 active cases throughout the country, and 175 are hospitalized. ( 148 are in the ward and 27 in intensive care units, that is, double what was reported a month ago.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/new-covid-19-cases-surge-to-2744-daily