Pubs and bars closed as virus cases climb to 55

The number of people infected with the new coronavirus,  in Panama  has climbed from 43 to 55, said  Minister of Health, Rosario Turner at Sunday’s daily press conference

Of these cases, 80% have mild symptoms. Meanwhile, 10 are hospitalized: six are in critical condition and four are in wards.

The director of Health, Nadja Porcell, said that there 44 patients (30 women and 25 men isolated in their homes.

Among the new cases, there is one in Santiago de Veraguas, and another in the province of Colón. The Santiago patient, a health sector worker who was on a tourist trip is being held in the Luis Chicho Fábrega hospital. The other case in the Manuel Amador Guerrero hospital in Colón.

Minister Turner announced that as of Monday, March 16 all entertainment areas in hotels, discos, bars, canteens, casinos and the like will be closed  Likewise, playgrounds that operate inside and outside restaurants may not operate.

The Government also temporarily banned access to public beaches, rivers, swimming pools and spas.

Meanwhile, the Panama Canal Authority has  closed  the Miraflores and Agua Clara visitor centers