The Ministry of Health of Panama ( Minsa ) announced this Tuesday some of the flexibilities that from February 8 will replace the restrictions that the authorities implemented to mitigate the contagion of COVID-19 in provinces such as Panama, Panama Oeste and Herrera.
Among the flexibilities that will be allowed are the reopening of restaurants , which will be able to attend in person from next Monday, February 8, 2021, as long as they are subject to the following measures:
- The consumption of liquor can only be as a companion to meals.
- The use of masks and face shield is mandatory for all customer service personnel.
- Between each table there must be a distance of two meters.
- The closing time is established at 7:30 pm and the home delivery service is maintained until 10:00 pm
In addition, as of next Monday, February 8, 2021, the purchase restriction measure by gender will be lifted in commercial establishments in the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste. Both men and women will be able to make purchases from Monday to Friday, respecting the capacity of 50%, according to the Minister of Health, Luis
Sucre.
The authorities also announced that access to the beaches, rivers and spas of the provinces of Panama, Panama Oeste and Herrera will be allowed as of February 8, under certain restrictions.
However, the authorities indicated that these sites can be accessed from Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
"We recall that the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in these places is totally prohibited. We call on the population to avoid crowds on beaches, spas and rivers, they must stay in their family bubble, which is contemplated between 5 and 7 people, respecting biosecurity measures and physical distancing, ”Minister
Sucre said at a press conference.
It was added that "mass walks in these recreation areas are prohibited."
As for the use of social areas and swimming pools, it was reported that it is allowed with a capacity of 25% of its capacity, maintaining its home bubble.
The health authorities reaffirmed that the weekends of total quarantine are maintained, as well as the daily curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The
Minsa highlighted that they are evaluating the possibility of eliminating the total quarantine restriction on weekends in some districts that present a trend towards a decrease in the incidence of cases in the provinces of Coclé, Los Santos and Veraguas, however, this is a measure that is under study and will depend on epidemiological behavior.