The Minsa measure, established through resolution 2216 of August 18, 2021, begins to take effect as of Tuesday, August 31.
Through Resolution 2216 of August 18 , the Ministry of Health (
Minsa ) of Panama annuls the sanitary measure of taking body temperature on a mandatory basis in commercial premises, institutions, schools and the like.
The mandatory use of the thermometer had been implemented preventively to prevent people with a high temperature from entering establishments, because this is one of the symptoms of
COVID-19. However, more than a year after the start of the pandemic, enough information has been revealed showing that the use of this technology "negatively impacts its usefulness for mass screening of people with an infectious pathology", for which reason it has been recommended the elimination of the obligation of its use.
The
Minsa reiterates that the mandatory use of masks remains, as well as the use of a face shield or billboards in public transport, and for those who handle food.