Search for healthcare staff as COVID death toll reaches 667

Twenty-two deaths in one day raised the Panama toll to  667 on Wednesday, July 2,  and on a path to pass the 1.000 mark by month-end with 774 new positive cases diagnosed as hospitals struggle to cope with the surge in admissions.

Panama recorded a new record for deaths from COVID-19, with 22 confirmed in the last 24 hours. The total number of infections is now at .35,237 accumulated infections. and, 16,445 patients have recovered. On Wednesday  2,352 tests were applied,with a positivity percentage of 33%.

There are 17,181 people in isolation, (16,508 at home and 673 in hotels, and  944,  are hospitalized including 149 in intensive care.

The Ministry of Health (MINSA) is working on recruitment drive for healthcare staff and on the adaptation of wards in the network of public hospitals for COVID-19 patients.

Public network hospitals are being managed through the Interhospital Control Center to achieve more effective performance. The center monitors beds, medications, equipment, and other supplies, to respond to the needs of each person who is affected by the pandemic and other diseases.