Panama: Authorities ban travelers from the UK and South Africa as of Dec. 22 /update 22

Event

As of Dec. 22, authorities in Panama are prohibiting the entry of travelers who have stayed in or transited through the UK and South Africa within 20 days. The ban is in response to a new strain of coronavirus disease (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.

International Travel
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.

Domestic Measures
Officials in Panama introduced gender-based movement restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 over the holiday period. On Dec. 23, 28, and 30, only women may make purchases at commercial establishments such as supermarkets, pharmacies, warehouses, hardware stores, and other stores in general. Shopping days are exclusively for men Dec. 22, 24, 29, and 31.

The enhanced movement restrictions are in addition to the recently tightened curfew and total quarantine measures which went into effect Dec. 18. The nationwide daily curfew will be in force from 1900-0500 across all areas. Essential services, critical transportation, and international travelers are exempt from the curfews. The total quarantines have been slightly revised and will now be enforced from 1900 Dec. 24 until 0500 Dec. 28 and from 1900 Jan. 1 until 0500 Jan. 4. Only the construction sector and strategic public services (such as the health and technical services) may continue during these periods.

Other restrictions on businesses, general movements, and social activities that will be enforced through Jan. 4 are:

• The sale of alcohol is prohibited 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.

• Sanitary checkpoints will be established in La Pesa de La Chorrera, Divisa, La Villa, Chagres, Vigui, and other areas from 0500 Dec. 23 until 0500 Jan. 4, to limit public movements.

• Access to rivers, beaches, swimming pools, spas, and public social areas will be prohibited Dec. 23-Jan. 4. Outside this period, beach visits are generally allowed 0600-1600 with family groups no larger than seven people.

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.

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