What's the government response timeline for Panama?

Informational press releases on the Ministry of Health website: e.g. MINSA remains vigilant in the presence of the Coronavirus in China ( http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/el-minsa-se-mantiene-vigilante-ante-la-presencia-del-coronavirus-en-china)

On Thursday, January 22, the Panamanian government announced it is implementing temperature screenings at airports nationwide and at other points of entry. The decision comes amid the ongoing Wuhan coronavirus outbreak. [ https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/307831/panama-temperature-screenings-implemented-at-airports-other-entry-points-january-22]

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/latest-holocaust-march-poland-cancelled-virus-69478927 As of 10 Mar. Panama confirms 1st case of coronavirus “Panama's Health Minister Rosario Turner said Monday the 40-year-old woman's positive test was confirmed at the Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas.”

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/latest-holocaust-march-poland-cancelled-virus-69478927 As of 10 Mar. Panama confirms 1st case of coronavirus “Panama's Health Minister Rosario Turner said Monday the 40-year-old woman's positive test was confirmed at the Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas.”

"Panama’s government ordered the temporary closure of all schools due to the fast-spreading coronavirus." All public and private schools are closed. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-panama-idUSKBN20Y3FA "The Panama closures apply to both public and private schools and will extend through at least April 7 in most of the country, Education Minister Maruja Gorday said in a statement."

"Activities, acts and events such as: fairs, congresses, cultural, religious, sporting events are suspended, holidays, dances and / or concerts throughout the national territory. Only those sports events that may be held behind closed doors with a maximum attendance of 50 people with the express authorization of the Ministry of Health will be excepted." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg-7

"Activities, acts and events such as: fairs, congresses, cultural, religious, sporting events are suspended, holidays, dances and / or concerts throughout the national territory. Only those sports events that may be held behind closed doors with a maximum attendance of 50 people with the express authorization of the Ministry of Health will be excepted." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg-7

"The entry of flights from Europe is prohibited." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-no25-ministerio-de-salud-anuncia-nuevas-medidas-de-movilidad-para-combatir-la

"In this sense, the minister respectfully suggested some measures to avoid crowds such as the application of telework, and if necessary, prevent employees from attending their work facilities." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/ministra-de-salud-actualiza-diputados-en-covid-19 (Note: archive.org link unavailable)

Translated from Spanish to English: "The National Director of Health Promotion of the Ministry of Health (MINSA), dra. Gabriela García de Salazar, called on older adults not to leave their homes during these days, unless it is a health emergency. Like the adult, young people must also take social distancing measures at least 1 or 2 meters away, so as not to carry the virus to their relatives when they are away from home." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/la-poblacion-debe-adoptar-todas-las-medidas-contra-el-covid-19

Closure of companies in the entire country with the exception of certain essential sectors. https://anpanama.com/multimedios/otros/11124.pdf

Translated from Spanish to English: "The National Government, fulfilling its role of guaranteeing the country's health security, announced that, starting on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the "curfew" will be extended from 5 in the afternoon to 5 in the morning, throughout the National territory." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-no25-ministerio-de-salud-anuncia-nuevas-medidas-de-movilidad-para-combatir-la

Translated from Spanish to English: "The National Government, fulfilling its role of guaranteeing the country's health security, announced that, starting on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the "curfew" will be extended from 5 in the afternoon to 5 in the morning, throughout the National territory." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-no25-ministerio-de-salud-anuncia-nuevas-medidas-de-movilidad-para-combatir-la

Informational webpage launched by the Ministry of Health: https://yomeinformopma.org/ "The Ministry of Health presented the web portal https://yomeinformopma.org/ as an official information center, available to all citizens. On this website, you will be able to get the official communications, decrees and relevant data on COVID-19 in Panama and the start of the mandatory national quarantine." https://stri.si.edu/minsa-press-release-27

Translated from Spanish to English: "The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, announced today the start of a total quarantine. During a message to the nation, issued by the national chain, he reported that this new mobility standard will take effect from this Wednesday, March 25, 2020, starting at 5:01 am" http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg-27-gobierno-nacional-anuncia-inicio-de-cuarentena-nacional-obligatoria

Despite nationwide quarantine, official gathering limit is still 50. http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg-7

Panama enacted nationwide movement restrictions, also referred to as quarantine, effective March 25, 2020. Decree 504 established that people who break health regulations and quarantines could be fined? between $50,000 to $100,000. The movement restrictions include windows of time for people to grocery shop, get medicines, and take care of other essential activities based on gender and the last digit of their national ID cards for Panamanians and passports or diplomatic ID for foreign nationals. U.S. Citizens in Panama should carry their passports at all times and only move for grocery-meds shopping. All international and domestic commercial passenger flights have been suspended. There are exceptions for cargo, humanitarian, medical supplies,?medical evacuation, and government aircraft flights. Any U.S. Citizens remaining in Panama should be prepared to remain indefinitely. https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The Panamanian government has announced stricter domestic restrictions on movement in efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country beginning Wednesday, April 1, for 15 days. Women will be able to leave their homes for essential purchases only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Men will be free to do so on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No one is permitted to leave their homes on Sundays. [ https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/327781/panama-domestic-restrictions-expanded-as-of-april-1-update-7]

Panamanian Transport Authority (ATTT) announced ’mitigation, control, and supervision measures’ for the movement of public transport vehicles and taxis, to be in place from Friday, April 3. 1) Vehicles with public transport license plate ending in even numbers: 0, will circulate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm 2) Vehicles with public transport license plates with ending in odd numbers will circulate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm 3) On Sundays, no selective public transport vehicle may circulate, thus complying with the prohibition of movement of the general population decreed by the Ministry of Health. Verification of compliance with this measure will be carried out by the Health and Safety departments, on public roads and control posts at the national level. Public transportation units that are providing services to medical and emergency personnel are exempt from this measure, provided they have the proper authorisation from the Ministry of Health. Government Press Release: http://www.transito.gob.pa/noticia/attt-adopta-nuevas-medidas-para-transporte-publico-selectivo

http://thebocasbreeze.com/apr20/antibodies-covid19/ Dr. Lourdes Moreno gave the daily update on case numbers which is 3,751 accumulated COVID-19 cases in Panama; 177 cases are new.  These figures are the result of 16,854 tests, with 801 being in the last 24 hours. Panama has conducted 3,939 tests per population million, which Dr. Moreno pointed out is the third highest rate of tests per capita in the Americas, behind only Canada and Chile.

The closure of all but essential businesses was extended. https://www.digeca.gob.pa/Decreto-Ejecutivo-541-Gaceta-oficial-N-29007-A

"Activities, acts and events such as: fairs, congresses, cultural, religious, sporting events are suspended. , holidays, dances and / or concerts throughout the national territory. Only those sports events that may be held behind closed doors with a maximum attendance of 50 people with the express authorization of the Ministry of Health will be excepted." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg-7

There is a total quarantine: "The Minister of Health, Rosario Turner, reiterated the call to comply with hygiene measures, hand washing, proper use of masks, but above all, stay home." http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-no60-minseg-y-minsa-refuerzan-vigilancia-por-cuarentena-durante-el-fin-de-semana "The country has banned all domestic and international travel. It has shut down airports and -- after a March 22 deadline -- prevented even Panamanian citizens from traveling to the country." https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/world/panama-coronavirus-sex-intl/index.html

Extension of complete suspension of international flights for 30 more days from the 22 of April. https://www.conep.org.pa/covid-19/resolucion-no-053-dg-dj-aac-de-la-direccion-general-de-la-autoridad-aeronautica-civil/

"To guarantee the right to receive education, Meduca establishes minimum criteria for virtual education" [ https://www.presidencia.gob.pa/Noticias/Para-garantizar-el-derecho-a-recibir-educacion-Meduca-estable-criterios-minimos-de-educacion-virtual]

Cash transfers to eligible employees. https://www.panamaamerica.com.pa/sociedad/dos-formas-para-saber-si-eres-beneficiario-del-bono-del-plan-panama-solidario-1162398

Taxes, some services and credit payments will be suspended for 4 months https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-

Sporting events, festivals, and all gatherings larger than 50 people, as well as public spaces and venues, have been banned. [ https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/]

"From this Monday classes will be taught by television for primary students" [ https://www.prensa.com/sociedad/desde-este-lunes-se-impartiran-clases-por-television-para-estudiantes-de-primaria/]

"The Government announced that as of this Wednesday, May 13, the plan for "the new normal" begins with six blocks of different types of economic activities that will gradually begin to work. [...] He explained that the opening of shops of the first will take place this May 13 and includes mechanical workshops and spare parts in general, technical services: plumbers, electricians, systems maintenance, air conditioners, elevators, maintenance and cleaning of swimming pools; industrial fisheries and aquaculture and retail sales in the form of online sales or electronic commerce. [...] In addition, work meetings of up to 10 people and strict compliance with the guidelines for the return to the new normality of post-Covid-19 companies will be allowed." [ https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/200511/gobierno-anuncia-apertura-actividad-economica-13-mayo]

Borders remain closed during Phases 1 and 2 of government reopening plan. Booklet on details of Government reopening phases: https://mici.gob.pa/uploads/media_ficheros/2020/05/20/proceso-gradual.pdf

Ministry of Health announced on the 26 May that the country would continue to Phase 2 of their reopening strategy. This includes the opening of further employment sectors: construction of public infrastructure, non-metal mining, and industry. This is in addition to the opening on May 13 of e-commerce, technical maintenance services, and the fishing industry. Ministry of Health Press Releases: http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/responsabilidad-compartida-apertura-del-bloque-dos http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg-92-primero-de-junio-inicia-apertura-de-la-segunda-fase Booklet on details of Government reopening phases: https://mici.gob.pa/uploads/media_ficheros/2020/05/20/proceso-gradual.pdf

Ministry of Health announced on the 26 May that the country would continue to Phase 2 of their reopening strategy. This repeals the control of mobilisation by ID card, and replaces it with a curfew from 7pm to 5am. Children are allowed to go outside between 4 and 7 pm, with a guardian or carer. This does not include any activities that impinge on social distancing and involve physical contact. Ministry of Health Press Releases: http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/responsabilidad-compartida-apertura-del-bloque-dos http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg-92-primero-de-junio-inicia-apertura-de-la-segunda-fase Booklet on details of Government reopening phases: https://mici.gob.pa/uploads/media_ficheros/2020/05/20/proceso-gradual.pdf

Given the behavior observed in the last days of not complying with the sanitary provisions established by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), it is reported that the curfew will be extended from 5 in the afternoon of this Saturday, June 6, until 5 from Monday morning, June 8, work activities are excepted, provided that there is the corresponding safe-conduct. This measure, which seeks to reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19 and avoid the collapse of the health system, will be implemented in the provinces of Panama and Panama West. [/web/20200615232425/ http://minsa.b-cdn.net/sites/default/files/general/comunicado_ndeg_101.pdf]

Given the behavior observed in the last days of not complying with the sanitary provisions established by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), it is reported that the curfew will be extended from 5 in the afternoon of this Saturday, June 6, until 5 from Monday morning, June 8, work activities are excepted, provided that there is the corresponding safe-conduct. This measure, which seeks to reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19 and avoid the collapse of the health system, will be implemented in the provinces of Panama and Panama West. [/web/20200615232425/ http://minsa.b-cdn.net/sites/default/files/general/comunicado_ndeg_101.pdf]

Note, this was previously coded by another researcher as a 2G, but I believe should be a 1G given that public transit is still operational, just on an alternate schedule. Panamanian Transport Authority (ATTT) announced ’mitigation, control, and supervision measures’ for the movement of public transport vehicles and taxis, to be in place from Friday, April 3. 1) Vehicles with public transport license plate ending in even numbers: 0, will circulate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm 2) Vehicles with public transport license plates with ending in odd numbers will circulate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm 3) On Sundays, no selective public transport vehicle may circulate, thus complying with the prohibition of movement of the general population decreed by the Ministry of Health. Verification of compliance with this measure will be carried out by the Health and Safety departments, on public roads and control posts at the national level. Public transportation units that are providing services to medical and emergency personnel are exempt from this measure, provided they have the proper authorisation from the Ministry of Health. Government Press Release: http://www.transito.gob.pa/noticia/attt-adopta-nuevas-medidas-para-transporte-publico-selectivo

Starting June 1, the Government of Panama ended the quarantine with movement restrictions based on ID number and gender. This change remains in effect for all provinces except Panama and Panama Oeste. On June 7, MINSA published a resolution regarding movement restrictions in the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste. These provinces will return to movement restrictions based on gender and ID number beginning June 8. Gender restrictions allow for movements as follows: Women: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Men: Tuesday and Thursday. Saturday until 5pm Additionally, movement will be restricted to a two-hour window based on the last digit of each individual’s cedula number or passport number if an individual is not a citizen of Panama. U.S. Citizens in Panama should always carry their passports, and their Panamanian cedula if they have one. The two-hour windows are as follows: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Starting June 1, the Government of Panama ended the quarantine with movement restrictions based on ID number and gender. This change remains in effect for all provinces except Panama and Panama Oeste. On June 7, MINSA published a resolution regarding movement restrictions in the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste. These provinces will return to movement restrictions based on gender and ID number beginning June 8. Gender restrictions allow for movements as follows: Women: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Men: Tuesday and Thursday. Saturday until 5pm Additionally, movement will be restricted to a two-hour window based on the last digit of each individual’s cedula number or passport number if an individual is not a citizen of Panama. U.S. Citizens in Panama should always carry their passports, and their Panamanian cedula if they have one. The two-hour windows are as follows: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The Government of Panama extended the suspension of international commercial passenger flights to July 22. There are exceptions for cargo, humanitarian, medical supplies, medical evacuation, and government aircraft flights. Any U.S. Citizens remaining in Panama should be prepared to remain indefinitely. https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

As of June 28th, schools and universities were still closed until further notice. Source: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Starting on June 1, the Government of Panama opened the 2nd economic block: public construction, mining of non-metals, industry, and religious sites, parks, social areas, and sporting areas will be allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity. The Government of Panama announced a gradual plan to reopen the economy beginning May 13. For details, see the infographic in this tweet from MINSA. The dates for opening additional business blocks remains unknown. Source: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Sporting events, festivals, and all gatherings larger than 50 people, as well as public spaces and venues, have been banned. Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information. Source: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Sporting events, festivals, and all gatherings larger than 50 people, as well as public spaces and venues, have been banned. Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information. Source: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Cash transfers to eligible employees. https://www.panamaamerica.com.pa/sociedad/dos-formas-para-saber-si-eres-beneficiario-del-bono-del-plan-panama-solidario-1162398

Taxes, some services and credit payments will be suspended for 4 months https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID- Extension of the terms for the payment of taxes (including national direct and indirect taxes) that are caused or must be paid during a period declared as a National State of Emergency, until 17 July 2020. This, without entailing fines, interest, surcharges. https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/en_gl/topics/tax/tax-pdfs/ey-tax-covid-19-response-tracker-25-june-2020.pdf#page=214?download

Informational webpage launched by the Ministry of Health: https://yomeinformopma.org/ "The Ministry of Health presented the web portal https://yomeinformopma.org/ as an official information center, available to all citizens. On this website, you will be able to get the official communications, decrees and relevant data on COVID-19 in Panama and the start of the mandatory national quarantine." https://stri.si.edu/minsa-press-release-27

Dr. Lourdes Moreno gave the daily update on case numbers which is 3,751 accumulated COVID-19 cases in Panama; 177 cases are new. These figures are the result of 16,854 tests, with 801 being in the last 24 hours. Panama has conducted 3,939 tests per population million, which Dr. Moreno pointed out is the third highest rate of tests per capita in the Americas, behind only Canada and Chile. http://thebocasbreeze.com/apr20/antibodies-covid19/

It seems as if contact tracing capability is still limited. "Dr. Jorge Luis Prospero, former representative of the Pan American Health Organization in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Ecuador, said while the government tried to ease back the restrictions, the local health system did not have the capacity at the time to scale up massive testing and contact tracing as people began to leave their homes." https://www.startribune.com/panama-sees-surge-of-coronavirus-infections-after-reopening/571494892/

Still current, "closed schools (which will reopen July 20 through end-December, for a combination of online learning and a staggered and gradual return to classrooms)" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

Still current, "Industrial and construction operations resumed on June 8 but were ordered to close again for 15 days on June 10, with the closure now extended through July 11. No definite reopening date was announced for other sectors." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 http://www.minsa.gob.pa/sites/default/files/publicacion-general/lineamientos_para_el_retorno_a_la_normalidad_de_las_empresas_post-covid-19_en_panama_vc.pdf

Still current https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Still current https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Still current; "Uber has resumed services in Panama. Yellow taxis have a reduced presence, and do not operate on Sundays." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/panama/staying-during-coronavirus

Still current https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/panama/staying-during-coronavirus

Still current https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/panama/staying-during-coronavirus

Still current https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Still current https://www.panamaamerica.com.pa/sociedad/dos-formas-para-saber-si-eres-beneficiario-del-bono-del-plan-panama-solidario-1162398

"The Government will extend the electricity subsidy for three months, starting July 1, estimated at a cost of more than US$250 million."; "Revenue side: (i) tax relief through extended income-tax filing deadlines (until July 17, 2020)" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Still current http://minsa.gob.pa/coronavirus-covid19

Still current http://minsa.gob.pa/coronavirus-covid19

"The government announced that the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste will return to movement restrictions based on gender and ID number, starting on June 8. Please scroll down on this page to the section Details of Movement Restrictions." https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"The government announced that the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste will return to movement restrictions based on gender and ID number, starting on June 8. Please scroll down on this page to the section Details of Movement Restrictions." https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

On 14th July 2020, the Cabinet approved further spending to pay affected workers and small business owners through the 'Panama Solidarity Plan' with transfers including 600,000 bags of food supplies (continuing to be distributed as of April 27th) https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Effective 17th July 2020 onwards, new (total) quarantine hours in Panama and Panama Oeste provinces are in place, from Friday 7pm till Monday 5am. Additionally, there is a curfew from 7pm until 5am, Monday through Thursday. https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Alongside the total quarantine beginning 17th July 2020, strict movement restrictions have been implemented based on gender and ID number. Restrictions apply to women on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and apply to men on Tuesday and Thursday. The restrictions grant a two-hour window to allow for essential purchases, and are allocated to each individual according to the last digit of their cedula number (or passport number if the individual is not a citizen of Panama). Specific windows are as follows: Last number is 7 – 6:30 – 8:30am Last number is 8 – 7:30 – 9:30am Last number is 9 – 8:30 – 10:30am Last number is 0 – 9:30 – 11:30am Last number is 1 – 12:30 – 2:30pm Last number is 2 – 1:30 – 3:30pm Last number is 3 – 2:30 – 4:30pm Last number is 4 – 3:30 – 5:30pm Last number is 5 – 4:30 – 6:30pm Last number is 6 – 5:30 – 7:00pm The elderly, regardless of their cedula/passport number will have a special window between 7am and 10am (gender restrictions will still apply). https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Beginning 20th July 2020, the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste will require private sector employees to enter their places of employment by no later than 8am; and public sector employees by no later than 9am. https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

On 21st July 2020, the Government of Panama enforced total lockdown in the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Colon and Chiriqui on Saturdays and Sundays (Monday-Friday, 7pm-5am). https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

From 22nd July 2020, the suspension of domestic charter flights has been extended (with the exception of transport of cargo, humanitarian, medical supplies, medical evacuation and vaccines). https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Starting from 22nd July 2020, the Government of Panama extended the suspension of international commercial passenger and domestic charter flights for a further 30 days (which were originally supposed to resume at the end of this month). The exception of cargo, humanitarian, medical supplies, medical evacuation and vaccines remain in place. https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

From 27 July 2020, businesses in Los Santos, Herrera, and Cocle provinces will be allowed to open businesses of car sales, private construction, and professional and administrative services. All businesses must meet biosecurity requirements. https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

“In Panama, classes started in July with students using an integrated platform that combines TV, radio, print and online resources. Authorities have adapted the curriculum to focus on essential skills and resilience.” See World Bank Education for Global Development blog published, August 18th, archived: https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/launching-new-academic-year-under-cloud-covid-19

As of August 24, the Government of Panama are opening “the following sectors of the economy: real estate, wholesale trade, housing development, property appraisal, beauty salons and barber shops (not including esthetics), some private and public construction, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), mining of non-metals, industry, car repair shops, technical services, and small scale fishing.” See U.S. Embassy in Panama website, archived: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

All gatherings larger than 50 people remain banned. See U.S. Embassy in Panama website, archived: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Since May 29th, public transport has been operating daily, with additional biosecurity measures, including “mandatory use of masks in the public transport system” and a maximum of 30/ 34 passengers allowed on any one bus (depending on whether it is a blue, or orange, bus respectively). Source: https://www.mibus.com.pa/noticia/mibus-toma-las-medidas-necesarias-para-el-inicio-del-bloque-2-en-la-ruta-a-la-nueva-normalidad/ Also, the volume of transport available is increasing, in response to increased demand. Luis Campana, general manager of state-owned bus company MiBus, said on August 19th, “this week, due to the reopening of some activities, we assigned 250 more buses to our daily schedule” https://twitter.com/TReporta/status/1296068877382750208

“On July 14, the Cabinet approved … (ii) an augmentation in social spending, including payments to affected workers and small business owners through the "Panama Solidarity Plan”. Source: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 The Panama Solidarity Plan includes transfers to formal and informal sector workers. The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, announced on Twitter, on the August 4: ““This week 360,978 Panamanians will receive their transfer of the digital voucher #PanamáSolidario. The first transfer is made today and the following on August 5, 6 and 7. #UnPanamáMejor” This includes “recharges to those who have previously received their digital voucher: districts of Arraiján, San Miguelito and Colón, Panamanians with suspended contracts, wallets, artists, trainers of the @InadehOficial, peddlers registered in @panamamunicipality.” Source: https://twitter.com/NitoCortizo/status/1290615980280946690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1290615980280946690%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url= https%3A%2F%2Fpanamapress.com.pa%2Frevisa-si-te-llego-inicia-el-pago-de-panama-solidario-anuncia-el-presidente-cortizo%2F “The Digital Voucher is for an amount of B / .100, which the beneficiaries can cash with their personal identity card in supermarkets or pharmacies to buy food and medicine” Source: https://panamapress.com.pa/revisa-si-te-llego-inicia-el-pago-de-panama-solidario-anuncia-el-presidente-cortizo/

“The Government will extend the electricity subsidy for three months, starting July 1, estimated at a cost of more than US$250 million”. This three-month period is still current, and followed “a suspension of payments for public services (electricity, landline phones, mobile phone and internet) for March-June”. Also, Government of Panama is providing “tax relief through extended income-tax filing deadlines until December 31, 2020”  See IMF website, archived: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

The Government of Panama’s coronavirus public information sites, and social media accounts, are still being updated regularly. e.g. https://www.yomeinformopma.org/

Anyone showing Covid-19 symptoms is tested. Also, “as part of the traceability process, the Ministry of Health (MINSA), together with the other institutions that participate in these actions, hold swab sessions and other activities in various communities of the country during weekends in order to detect positives. of COVID-19, asymptomatic or symptomatic and thus break the chain of contagion of the virus.” Source: http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg180

On August 19th, the Minister of Heath, Luis Francisco Sucre announced that, new opening measures will take effect from August 24th, but ”the prohibition of activities such as parties, family gatherings and others that involve crowds is maintained. Neither can social areas of the PHs be used at more than 25% of their capacity. PH pools and gyms cannot be used.” See Ministry of Health information website, archived: https://www.yomeinformopma.org/info_detail/178

On August 21st, the Ministry of Health shared updates to curfews, which included that “the national curfew remains in force throughout the country, from 7 at night to 5 in the morning.” Also, “days of circulation, without restriction of identity card, will be established for women on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while for men it will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. That is, they will be able to circulate all day, although it is recommended not to leave the house if not necessary.” See Ministry of Health information website, archived: https://www.yomeinformopma.org/info_detail/180

On August 21st, the Ministry of Health shared updates about mobility restrictions, which stated that “sanitary fences and checkpoints will be maintained at the points where they are installed.” See Ministry of Health information website, archived: https://www.yomeinformopma.org/info_detail/180

On August 21st, “the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, in the company of the Minister of Health; Luis Francisco Sucre; the Minister for Health, Eyra Ruíz; the director of the Social Security Fund (CSS), Enrique Lau Cortés and local authorities participated in a tour in Colón, where they met with the promoters of the United Traceability Team to coordinate actions in the province.” Source: http://www.minsa.gob.pa/noticia/comunicado-ndeg180 “Traceability is part of the epidemiological surveillance process aimed at searching for the contacts of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in places where there is a high density of Covid-19 cases, such as the townships of Arraiján- Cabecera, Burunga, Vista Alegre and Juan Demostenes Arosemena in Panama Oeste.” Source: https://www.prensa.com/sociedad/panama-oeste-refuerza-equipos-de-trazabilidad-para-frenar-el-coronavirus/

“On August 21, the Government of Panama extended the suspension of international commercial passenger flights, originally announced on March 26, for an additional 30 days beginning August 22. The previous exceptions for cargo, humanitarian, medical supplies, medical evacuation, and vaccines remain in place.” See U.S. Embassy in Panama website, archived: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/