Disco-bar faces closure after flouting covid rules

The Red Lion disco-bar in Casco  Viejo could face permanent closure after  a Friday night event which flouted capacity and social distancing rules and reactivation of an  activity disallowed during the pandemic,  

The director ad of Public Health of the Metropolitan Health Region, Ana Lorena Chang, confirmed that the respective sanctions will be applied to those responsible for organizing activities outside the law last amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday the health authorities reported that there were around 300 people inside the premises, of which at least 68 were minors.

The temporary closure of the premises will proceed and it will be the responsibility of the General Directorate of Health of the Ministry of Health to evaluate the final closure.

“There were minors under the age of 13, 14 who stayed late at night in a place where in addition to liquor, there were electronic cigarettes that were sold right there. Obviously, this is a more aggravating crime, ”said Dr. Chang.

Similarly, it is highlighted that there will be sanctions for the sports celebration that took place on Saturday by fans after the title won by the Plaza Amador club in the Panamanian Soccer League tournament.

 “In this type of sporting activities, they should always approach the corresponding health authority, which in this case is the regional level, not the local one, and in neither of the two situations, these people had come to ask for a permit as such because we verified whether or not they truly meet the capacity for this activity. If it does not comply, we will not proceed to give any permission, ”said Chang.

It should be noted that depending on the aggravating circumstances, the organizer (s) and possibly the sports team will be penalized.

Among the sanctions, which can be imposed by the Health Centers, the fine could reach up to $500 dollars and in the Regional Directorate up to $5,000.