Health Minister Luis Francisco Sucre, said on Monday that "The entire health team is waiting to see what happens"  following the  Costa Rica - Panama  World Cup qualifier - the first mass event in Panama since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Sucre said:"Remember that when there are very large events of this type, if the contagion of Covid proliferates, we can expect it from a week to 15 days later," Sucre emphasized.

The qualifying game for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, between the soccer teams of Panama and Costa Rica on September 2, was taken as a pilot plan for safe mobility.

For the game, the Ministry of Health endorsed a capacity of 80% with respect to the capacity of the stadium and the Panamanian Football Federation (Fepafut) determined that only fans who comply with the complete scheme of vaccination, that is to say with two doses received.

“So, we are waiting to see how this happens, if there is an increase or not. Of course, we are all with our fingers crossed so that there is no increase and we can continue with the reopening route that we are taking, ”Sucre said.

Sucre announced that to the extent that vaccination continues at the national level and that there is a percentage of the immunized population, which allows them to have greater security, the restriction regulations will continue to be lifted.

He added that this week they will be meeting with directors of the Chamber of Commerce, with the Minister of Commerce and Industries and with other unions to advance in the total reopening plan.