$70 million to fight virus with  36 cases  confirmed

 Panama’s government has allocated $70 million to fight coronavirus as 9 more confirmed cases brought the total by 4 pm on Friday, March 13 to 36.  

Flights to and from Europe now the epicenter of the pandemic according to the World Health Organization, have been suspended.

Rosario Turner, Minister of Health, said that the measure is focused on countries with the highest number of cases.

Some 756 tests were carried out at the Gorgas Commemorative Institute. Of that number, 36 have been positive and another 93 are pending.

The Health Ministry (Minsa) reported that those seven cases have been confirmed in the Monsignor Beckman school whose principal was the first reported death.

A government decree temporarily suspends the disembarkation and embarkation of cruise ships, mini cruises, deep-draft ships, international passenger transport such as yachts, mega yachts or any other maritime vessel in the country’s ports.

On Thursday night President, Laurentino Cortizo, held a meeting, via Skype, with his counterparts in Central America where it was agreed to reinforce security measures, but not to close the borders.  Panama made its logistics center available for the purchase of medicines.

Quarantine
 The executive decree also establishes that every person who receives an order to remain in quarantine is required to remain at home for 14 days.The measure also applies to non-resident foreigners in tourist accommodation.

Official visits to the country or Panamanians to other nations are also suspended unless it is essential for health or national security reasons.