Chiriqui has most virus cases as Panama readies for 3rd wave

Chiriquí Province has the highest number of active cases of Covid-19 with a total of 1,830, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health (Minsa).

Sunday’s report revealed 4,284 active cases throughout the country, that is to say, that in Chiriqui province there are 42.7% of the cases.

According to the schedule announced by the Minsa on Thursday, May 13, the vaccination of older adults, teachers, and pregnant women of circuits 4-1 and 4-2 of the province of Chiriquí begins. Between both sectors, it is estimated to immunize about 35,000 people.

Third wave
Health authorities are preparing for a third wave of the virus in the country, after several weeks in which new cases reflected a  plateau.

The director of the Social Security Fund, Enrique Lau Cortés, stressed that despite the fact that the country has traveled through a plateau for many weeks, they have indicators that show an increase in the number of cases and the possibility that they will increase more and affect the sanitary system.

“The Ministry of Health and we are preparing. First of all, we have reviewed all the inventory that is required to be able to face this pandemic. We already have experience with the second wave, we are seeing the entire supply of personal protective equipment, rushing the payment to suppliers, in case we need more supplies, “said Lau Cortés in Telemetro.

Since last April 4, the country did not register a positivity greater than 5%, Sunday it was 6.4%.

On the other hand, in addition to the immunization that will begin on Wednesday in Chiriquí, the second dose is currently being placed on educating teachers and pregnant women on the 8-8 circuit, which includes five townships in Panama City.