After reporting a total of 1,240 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, Panama raised its number of infections to 412,466, according to the epidemiological report of the Ministry of Health, 8 July 2021.

Meanwhile, 3 new deaths were reported and 2 of previous dates are updated, totaling 6,604 deaths due to this virus in the country. The fatality rate remains at 1.6%.

13,616 new tests were carried out to detect COVID-19, for a positivity percentage of 9.1%.

There are a total of 392,262 recovered and 13,600 active cases.

Of the total active cases, there are 12,889 people are in isolation, of which 12,547 are at home and 342 in hotels; while 711 patients are hospitalized, of them 596 in ward and 115 in intensive care.

Despite the fact that Panama is in the process of vaccination against COVID-19, the use of masks continues to be essential as they represent protection above 80%.

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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.