Panama records 960 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths in 24 hours

According to the official data, the total number of infected with the virus in the country is now 41,251, while 19,469 patients have clinically recovered from the disease. There are currently 20,963 active cases.

Deaths

A total of 20 new deaths were recorded over 24 hours, which brings the total to 819. The death rate is currently 1.98% of the infected.

Testing

2,606 new tests were conducted in since the last report, of which 36.8% were positive. The number of total tests is now 153,148, of which 108,893 were negative.

Testing rate is reported to cover 3,579 per 100,000 population.

Treatment

19,221 patients are in home isolation and 734 are in so-called hospital hotels.

The Ministry of Health also reported that 860 are in the hospital ward and 158 in the intensive care units.

Demographics

Positive COVID-19 cases by age group:

<20 years old: 4,955
20-39 years old: 17,973
40-59 years old: 13,088
60-79 years old: 4,392
>80 years old: 843

Deaths by age group:

<20 years old: 12
20-39 years old: 51
40-59 years old: 167
60-79 years old: 369
>80 years old: 220

Breakdown by provinces

Cases by provinces: Panama 25,129, Panama Oeste 7,184, Colón 2,034, Chiriquí 1,853, Bocas del Toro 1,486, Veraguas 1,343, Darién 1,062, Ngäbe Buglé 397, Coclé 362, Guna Yala 265, Herrera 91 and Los Santos 45.

Self-isolation and preventive quarantine

Minsa reiterated that citizens continue to strengthen and implement physical distance measures, handwashing, and the correct use of masks.

On the other hand, the Ministry explained that those who carry out tests for detection of COVID-19 must remain in their residences in preventive isolation until they are notified of the results.

According to the Minsa, they have received complaints from people who after taking the test return to the streets or work while waiting for the results.

All persons who consider themselves to be a contact or suspect of COVID-19 are reiterated that they must comply with the preventive quarantine, said a statement.

Meanwhile, Minsa authorities and the Social Security Fund (CSS) held a meeting to review hospital work plans to combat COVID-19.

The meeting analyzed the current reality in hospital facilities, the installed capacity of the system, and the reason for the increase in patient mortality.

Ivette Berrío, Vice Minister of Health, reported that the programs and work plans have been reviewed to assess reality and design new actions in conjunction with the medical directors, the nursing unions and the work teams necessary to improve the system.