Brazil deadly variant of coronavirus in Panama

Health Minister Luis Francisco Sucre recommended nationals and foreigners residing in Panama not to visit any country in South America after it was reported on Saturday, March 27, that the Brazilian variant of the coronavirus has been detected in Panama.

According to the ministry, the infected person is a foreign resident in Panama, who traveled to her country of origin,  and from there visited Brazil.

Upon returning to Panama City, a positive test was performed, and ‘’it was detected that she was a carrier of the P1 Sars Cov-2 or Brazilian variant.”

The Minsa recalled that this variant  is more contagious, virulent, pathogenic, and transmissible than all the variants known so far worldwide.

“It can be twice as transmissible and evade the immune response, as well as affect young people. On the other hand, the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases by 30%, ”the Minsa statement highlighted.

The Minister said that starting Sunday, , it will be mandatory for people who come from the countries of South America or who were in the last 15 days in that area to perform the antigen test or PCR prior to registration in migration.

Another measure taken by the Minsa is that from Wednesday, March 31, only nationals and residents of Panama who come from that area will be allowed to enter the country, who must strictly comply with the established protocol.

Sucre asks the general population: increase biosafety measures such as the correct use of masks and face shields.