Corona Virus in Panama / Update 16 February 2021

The case numbers for Corona virus in Panama have improved significantly since mid-January and as a result, most of the partial lockdown implemented in December has been lifted. Below you will also find more information on Corona vaccination in Panama.

Health (figures as of 16 Feb 2021)

  • There are currently 333.251 cases and 5.655 deaths.
  • The R-value is 0,83
  • The mortality rate is 1.7% (global average 2.2%)
  • Panama performed more tests per capita in 2021 than Germany.
  • The percentage of positive tests is currently 7-10% daily.
  • The intensive care beds have never been fully utilized.
  • Corona vaccination started in Panama in January.
  • 5.2 million doses have been ordered (Biontech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Jonson & Johnson) and negotiations are underway for an additional 3 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine, covering 80% of the population.
  • By the end of March, 750,000 doses are expected to arrive in Panama.
  • In phase 1, hospital staff will be vaccinated. Since Panama has a very young population (Ø 26 years), people over 60 years of age will also be vaccinated in phase 1.
  • So far, 8% of the Panamanian population has been infected with Corona. Taking into account the estimated number of unreported cases, this figure should be about 20%, which is much closer to herd immunity.
  • The graph shows the weekly trend (Mar 20 – Feb 21) of new infections (bars) and the test positive rate (curve). The sharp increase in June began with the economic opening. The increase in November is due to the holidays in early November (data link).
Corona cases 16 Feb 2021

Economy

  • Almost all sectors of the economy are open.
  • Restaurants and stores are allowed to open until 9 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 -9.% in 2020 (2021: +5%) and an unemployment rate of 18.5%.

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.
  • Throughout Panama there is currently an curfew of 10.00pm – 04.00am daily and in the greater Panama City area additionally on weekends.
  • In some regions the beaches are completely open, in others only on weekdays.
  • Violations of the Corona measures are punished since December 3 with cancellation of the Corona aid for the persons concerned.

Travel to Panama

  • Since 12 October 2020 Panama Citys International Airport is open again.
  • Visitors (regardless of where they come from in the world) must present a Corona negative test (max. 48 hours old) or alternatively take a rapid test at the airport in Panama. If the test is positive, you will be quarantined in Panama.
  • 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. He offers advice on all aspects of living 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.

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