The epidemiological report of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) also reflects that in the last hours there were some 34 new deaths due to the virus and one updated death, which brings the total deaths to 5,098.
The case fatality of the virus in the country is 1.6%.
While it is reported that to this date in the country some 261,291 people have recovered from COVID-19 and another 45,769 remain as active cases.
From this statistic, it is detailed that 42,497 people remain confined to their homes and 562 are staying in hospital hotels.
While there are 2,473 patients in hospital wards and another 237 are confined in intensive care units after being infected with this coronavirus.
In the last 24 hours, some 6,385 new tests have been applied, for a percentage of positivity of 14.3%
Graph source: worldometers.info
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.