The Ministry of Health ( Minsa ) of Panama reported 1,197 new cases of covid-19 and 7 deaths from this disease in the last 24 hours.

In total, Panama accumulates 403,778 covid-19 infections and 6,545 deaths. The case fatality rate is 1.6%.

14,290 tests to detect covid-19 were applied in the last hours. The positivity is at 8.3%.

To date, 12,530 active cases and 384,703 recovered patients have been counted in Panama.

According to the epidemiological report of the Minsa, there are 11,839 infected patients, 11,465 of them at home and 374 in hotels.

While hospitalized are 691 patients, of which 590 are in ward and 101 in intensive care units.

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NOTE: Some observers have argued that the Minsa reported case fatality rate (number of COVID linked deaths / number of known cases) in reality should be much lower, as the number of reported cases does not necessarily reflect the truth, as the testing does not cover the whole population, and many cases go undetected. At the same time, the government can't report what they don't know, but readers should note that the numbers may tell a different story from the reality.

Also, the method used in Panama to define how a 'COVID death' is counted is also unclear, as many of the deaths correspond to underlying previous conditions, such as cancer, blood diseases, other age related diseases etc., and are reported as COVID deaths since the patient also had the coronavirus. On the other hand, many viruses are known to lower the patient's immunity and expose them to other diseases. As an example most HIV/AIDS patients don't die from the virus itself, but from other derived diseases such as pneumonia or regular flu.

There have also been reports on the inaccuracy of the PCR test, which would compromise the figures mentioned above.

In lack of better information sources, PanaTimes continues to publish reports with the government (Minsa) announced figures. Readers are adviced to use their own judgement. We are happy to publish more accurate reports, if they become available to us or our contributors.

The information in this article is not intended to influence your decision whether to be vaccinated. You should conduct your own research when making a decision.