Corona Virus in Panama / Update 21 July 2021

In recent weeks, there has been a slight increase in Corona numbers in Panama. Numbers have stabilized, progress is being made with vaccination in Panama, and all sectors of the economy are open. Below you will find information around the Corona situation, the vaccination strategy and the impact of the pandemic on life, travel and the economy.

Health (figures as of 20 July 2021)

• There are currently 13.133 active cases.
• The R-value is 0,99
• The mortality rate is 1.6% (global average 2.2%)
• Panama performs the same number of tests per capita as Germany.
• The percentage of positive tests is currently 7 – 10% daily.
• The intensive care beds have never been fully utilized.
• Corona vaccination (Biontech/Pfizer und AstraZeneca) started in Panama in January. Approximately 30% have received at least one dose of vaccine and 16% are fully vaccinated.
• Since Panama has a very young population (Ø 26 years), people aged 60 and over were already vaccinated in phase 1.
• So far, 10% of the Panamanian population has been infected with Corona. Taking into account the estimated number of unreported cases, this figure should be about 25%, which is much closer to herd immunity.
• The graph shows the weekly trend (March 20 – July 21) of new infections (bars) and the test positive rate (curve). The sharp increase in June 2021 began with the economic opening. The increase in November 2021 is due to the holidays in early November (data link).

Economy

• All sectors of the economy are open.
• Restaurants and stores in Panama City (other regions may differ) are allowed to open until 11.00 p.m., although many restaurants, hotels and stores are still closed.
• The support payment for socially weak people is 120 USD per month. As unemployment has skyrocketed, this amount is barely enough for many poorer families.
• Current estimates predict economic growth of +12% in 2021 (2020: -17%).

Life in Panama

• The government measures the corona risk of the individual regions on the basis of certain indicators (R-value, hospital occupancy rate, etc.) and adopts region-specific measures on the basis of this.
• In Panama City there is currently a curfew from 0.00am – 04.00am daily.

Travel to Panama

• Since 12 October 2020 Panama Citys International Airport is open again.
• Current entry regulations (as of 26.07.2021) can be found in the previous link.
• Departing travelers can take a Corona test at Panama City Airport (if required by their home country).

FRAPAN-Invest

Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.

The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.

Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama