The Minister of Health of Panama (Minsa), Luis Francisco Sucre reiterated that vaccination against the coronavirus in Panama will not be mandatory, however they have been in talks with owners of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, in addition to the restaurant association on the strategy of "COVID-19 free trade or business."

"The proposal is excellent for all those who want to take care of their health ... unfortunately, whoever does not get vaccinated has all the right, but puts their health and that of their family at risk," said the head of the Minsa in the Open Debate program.

When consulting him about the Arbyd proposal presented to the Ministry of Health to condition entry to premises only to people vaccinated against covid-19, Sucre said that “in the end, everyone owns their business and will use the strategies they consider appropriate to reduce the risk of that its staff get sick for a client and on the other hand, it gives security to the client ... that it is a place free of COVID-19, because of the people who attend there, these are strategies that are being analyzed around the world.”

On July 21, the Association of Restaurants, Bars, and Clubs of Panama clarified that the proposal presented to the Ministry of Health includes options for those who cannot or want to be vaccinated, such as having a swab test at least 48 hours before using the facilities of the shops.