Panama: Authorities extend COVID-19-related curfews and movement restrictions through Jan. 14, 2021 /update 23

Event

Authorities in Panama have extended the nationwide curfew measures and other movement restrictions through at least Jan. 14, 2021, as part of the government's ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response plan. Officials have also amended the stricter measures that were established for the holiday period until Jan. 4 and will impose tightened movement restrictions in the provinces of Panama, which includes Panama City, and Panama Oeste from Jan. 4.

The following measures will be enforced across most parts of the country over the coming weeks:

• Curfew: The nationwide curfew will continue to be enforced 1900-0500 until Jan. 14 except during the total quarantine periods. Essential services, critical transportation, and international travelers are exempt from the curfews.

• Total Quarantine: The measure will be enforced nationwide from 1900 Dec. 31 until 0500 Jan. 4, and Jan. 9-10. Only the construction sector and strategic public services (such as the health and technical services) may continue during these periods.

• Gender-based Movements: Restrictions will be enforced through Dec. 31 for purchases at commercial establishments such as supermarkets, pharmacies, warehouses, hardware stores, and other stores in general. Shopping days are exclusively for women Dec. 28 and 30, and men Dec. 29 and 31. Businesses must close by 1700.

Other restrictions on businesses, general movements, and social activities that will likely be maintained through Jan. 14, unless otherwise stated, are:

• The sale of alcohol is prohibited from 1900-0500 daily.

• Public institutions may operate at 50-percent capacity and on alternate days only.

• Restaurant delivery services may operate until 2200; however, the sale and delivery of alcohol are prohibited.

• The use of social areas at residential properties is prohibited between 1900-0500.

• Only one person per household may visit supermarkets unless accompanied by a minor or a person with a disability.

• Access to rivers, beaches, swimming pools, spas, and public social areas will be prohibited through Jan. 4. Outside this period, beach visits are generally allowed 0600-1600 with family groups no larger than seven people.

• Sanitary checkpoints will remain in La Pesa de La Chorrera, Divisa, La Villa, Chagres, Vigui, and other areas until 0500 Jan. 4 to limit public movements.

Authorities have not announced any changes to other previously established pandemic-related protocols for businesses and recreational activities, which are likely to remain in place until further notice. All businesses are required to comply with strict sanitation, hygiene, and social-distancing protocols, including ensuring that staff and customers use protective facemasks and maintain at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) between each other. Cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, and indoor tourist sites may operate at 50 percent. Religious sites, parks, social areas, sporting areas, and swimming pools may operate at 25-percent capacity. Social and festive group activities and contact sports remain restricted.

Panama and Panama Oeste Provinces
The nationwide measures will apply to the affected provinces until Jan. 4. From Jan. 4-14, strict quarantine measures will be imposed in addition to a 2000-0500 curfew. All authorized businesses must close by 1930. Under the special quarantine, individuals will only be allowed to leave their homes outside the curfew to purchase food and medicine or attend veterinary clinics, hardware stores, and fuel stations. Daily movements will be dictated by gender and ID numbers. Shopping is exclusively for women Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and for men Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even beyond this, the schedule for shopping according to the last number of one's ID card or passport is as follows:

• Last digit is 7: Permitted 0630-0830, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 8: Permitted 0730-0930, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 9: Permitted 0830-1030, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 0: Permitted 0930-1130, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 1: Permitted 1030-1230, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 2: Permitted 1130-1330, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 3: Permitted 1230-1430, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 4: Permitted 1330-1530, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 5: Permitted 1630-1830, including the grace period.

• Last digit is 6: Permitted 1730-1930, including the grace period.

International Travel Regulations
As of Dec. 28, authorities are prohibiting the entry of travelers who have stayed in or transited through the UK and South Africa within 20 days of arrival. The ban is in response to a new strain of COVID-19 in these countries. The measures apply to foreign nationals and nonresidents entering via the land, air, and sea borders by commercial or private transport. Panamanian nationals and residents may return but will be required to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test upon arrival and complete a quarantine period, regardless of the test result.

The measures are in addition to other COVID-19-related travel protocols and internal measures, which are likely to remain in place through at least the start of 2021. Except for travel from the UK and South Africa, the country's ports of entry are opened to international travelers and all arriving passengers are still subject to enhanced health screenings at all airports. All persons entering Panama must complete an online sworn affidavit before travel and must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival, or be subject to testing at the airport. If the test is negative, no quarantine will be required; however, if the test is positive, the traveler must quarantine at a government-approved location. A second test will be taken after seven days of quarantine; if it is positive, the traveler must remain in quarantine until tested negative.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Highly targeted localized measures could be enforced in provinces or local communities with higher disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Ministry of Health (Spanish)
Online Sworn Affidavit