The Safe Spaces plan is an initiative to promote mass vaccination and participate in exclusive events, its implementation could be at the end of September.
The representative of the Association of Restaurants, Bars and Clubs of Panama (Arbyd), Aramis Cornejo, explained the proposal "Safe Spaces" only vaccinated presented to the Ministry of Health (
Minsa), which seeks to open the entertainment sector, possibly at the end September, if approved.
The Business or Safe Spaces plan is an initiative by private companies to encourage the population to be vaccinated en masse and participate in exclusive events such as concerts, festivals, restaurants, bars, discos and gardens.
“If we, as responsible merchants, offer a larger capacity in a disco or concert and we make sure that all the people inside are vaccinated, we give the guarantee that we can begin to open block 6 in a responsible way, since
COVID -19 is not going to leave and work must begin in the economy, where they have not been able to reactivate even 70% of operations,” said Cornejo.
The following is included in the proposal of a group of members:
Each business in the entertainment sector corresponding to block 6, must present itself voluntarily to the entities of the
Minsa, National Police, etc., and request a certificate that allows the legal representative, apply through requirements so that they are safe spaces and in turn carry the formal control of requirements.
Said certificate must be managed and certified by the
Minsa in a period not exceeding 7 days, once certified, the place undertakes to “only enter its establishment people vaccinated with one or two doses, through equipment provided by the AIG (National Authority for Government Innovation), which can be scanned by means of an ID or passport, validating said entry to any activity or event.”
This device can be paid for by the entrepreneur interested in being part of said initiative.
Regarding festivals and concerts with a greater influx of people, the project indicates that the owner of the event may choose to hire paid
Minsa personnel.
Likewise, the National Police or
Minsa personnel may carry out random operations to certify that the people within their businesses comply with the requirements by going through the vaccination filter, “if unvaccinated people are found, the business automatically loses the right to continue with the plan "Safe Spaces" and a monetary sanction of $500 upwards depending on the level of infraction.”
Cornejo indicated that the group of members also requested a capacity of 75% for open spaces, and 50% for closed spaces.
The use of existing measures such as temperature measurement, alcoholic gel and the use of masks within the premises will also remain in force.
Arbyd's representative said that on Tuesday, they held talks with AIG officials to start the initiative "it may be implemented in mid or late September."
It should be noted that the client will be able to sing, dance and enjoy the "Safe Spaces" as long as these places have security personnel and people destined to guide their clients where to sit or where to dance, thus avoiding "disorder".