After reporting a total of 1,317 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, Panama raised its number of infections to 407,330, according to the epidemiological report of the Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, 7 new deaths were reported, totaling 6,567 deaths from this virus in the country. The fatality rate remains at 1.6%.
14,113 new tests were carried out to detect COVID-19, for a percentage of positivity of 9.3%.
There are a total of 387,617 recovered and 13,146 active cases.
Of the total active cases, there are 12,454 people in isolation, of which 12,079 are at home and 375 in hotels; while 692 patients are hospitalized, of them 585 in ward and 107 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.