National Assembly suspended as three test positive for coronavirus

Panama’s National Assembly suspended sessions on  Saturday afternoon, March 28, after confirmation that three officials of had tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19).

The Board of Directors, chaired by Marcos  Castillero ordered the suspension of the “parliamentary activity” on the recommendation of the health authorities. However, he points out that the activity “may be resumed  to deal with a matter of national interest regarding the public health crisis we are experiencing or other important issues.”

He also said that certain administrative units that are important for the operation of the Assembly, as well as the permanent work commissions, “which must meet on issues of national importance,” will remain operational.

On  Friday, March 27, the deputies had planned to approve in the third debate the bill 295, which establishes the suspension of the payment of public services for four months and without interest, inattention to the state of emergency declared by the coronavirus. But there was no quorum.