Order temporary closure of commercial establishments throughout Panama

Posted on 2020-03-21

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) of Panama issued a new Executive Decree, in which it orders the temporary closure of commercial establishments and companies of natural or legal persons throughout the national territory.

By decree No. 500 of March 19, 2020 published in the Official Gazette, additional sanitary measures were approved to reduce, mitigate and control the spread of the pandemic due to the new coronavirus. It will take effect at 11:59 p.m. this Friday, March 20, and will be valid for 30 calendar days.

Restaurants only for home delivery or take away orders.

The measure exempts all food distribution, marketing and sales production chains, such as food processing, packing and distribution plants, supermarkets, hypermarkets, grocery stores, food and beverage packaging and packaging companies.

Also for shops selling medicines and hygiene products, safety equipment, construction materials (hardware stores, manufacture and distribution of gas and water tanks).

This document also exempts the premises of veterinary and agricultural supplies, maintenance companies, operation, distribution of medical equipment, manufacturers of packaging and supplies of all the aforementioned sectors, printers and laundries.

Likewise, everything related to maritime, land and air transportation, logistics and the Panama Canal, such as airports, services and repairs to ships, aircraft, ports, customs brokers, Panama Metro, My Bus, car maintenance, auto parts, transport contracted to mobilize the collaborators of the companies included in the exceptions of the curfew, transport service companies and workshops; export transportation of wood, fuel and gas. Also, the fuel and gas stations.

Private security; suitable lawyers for the defense of people detained during the curfew period.

Fuel distribution, supply and transport companies.

Everything related to banking, financial, insurance and other financial services, including providers of electronic transaction processing, checks and images to financial institutions.

Companies that provide public services such as Communications and transportation, call centers, gas stations, light and energy; hospitals, private clinics, veterinary clinics, funeral homes, cremation rooms and cemeteries, among others.

In the specific case of Cobre Panamá, the sanitary fence is ordered. It will continue to operate subject to following the instructions and protocols established by the Ministry.

Source: Telemetro.