Positive tests for COVID-19 on fast downward curve

The  number e of positive  tests for the coronavirus in Panama is down to 15% from 30% in early April and health authorities  are seeking to reduce the figure to  below 10% as they perform some 1,000 tests a day. said   Dr Rodrigo DeAntonio, a member  of the Ministry of Health Advisory Committee on Wednesday, May 13

“The goal for countries that have achieved better control of the coronavirus pandemic and, especially when monitoring cases is ensured, is that it be below 10%,” explained the scientist.

Since the first case was announced in the country on March 9 and until yesterday, Wednesday, a total of 45,873 tests have been carried out, of which 10, 515 were positive, while 35,358 were negative.

The Ministry reported a total of 8,944 accumulated cases, of which 161 are new. There have been   a total of 256 deaths

Panama is the country in Central America where most tests have been carried out and this has to do with the massification of tests as a strategy of the Minsa to contain the spread of the virus

Five days after the health authorities announced the first case of Covid-19 in Panama (March 9), the national diagnostic network was activated, under the responsibility of the Gorgas Commemorative Institute for Health Studies (Icges)

This increase in testing was possible because its execution was decentralized. In fact, in addition to Gorgas, the tests are being carried out by the José Domingo de Obaldía Hospital, in Chiriquí; and the Metetí hospital in Darién, as well as seven other laboratories from the public sector and two from the private sector, which were evaluated by the Icges.

Currently, the country applies the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which detects the genetic sequences (RNA) of the virus.