As of January 14, 2021, Panama has new Covid-19 movement restrictions.
However, some of the long-standing Covid restrictions in Panama remain.
For instance, the national mask mandate and curfew.
This is all to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
Panama’s Covid movement restrictions are nation-wide, and for 6 provinces there are additional restrictions.
In this post, I describe Panama’s Covid restrictions that are in effect as of January 14th.
National Covid-related Curfew
As of January 14, regardless of where you are in Panama, you must stay inside weekday nights (Monday – Friday) from 9 pm until 4 am. If you are caught outside of your residence during this time period, then you are in violation of Covid restrictions and may be subject to prosecution or fines.
National Mask Order
Since June 2, 2020, Panama has required that each person wears a mask whenever leaving his or her residence. The mask must cover your nose and mouth.
While other countries restrict mask-wearing to enclosed, indoor, public places, the Panama government is taking a stricter approach. You must wear a mask indoors and out. It is common to see people wearing a mask even while driving in a car alone.
In addition, the Panama government has asked that you only leave your house when necessary for work, shopping, or other essential services. And, when you do, you must remember your mask. Not doing so could result in an arrest or a fine.
Exceptions To Movement Restrictions
As usual, those who have been given permission to travel (salvoconductos), are allowed to move about even after curfew or during lockdowns.
Also, public-financed construction projects that are related to the pandemic-response effort are exempted from curfew hours.
Covid Restrictions by Province
Panama and Panama Oeste Provinces
As of January 14th, in Panama and Panama Oeste provinces, there are no longer movement restrictions based on your passport or cedula number.
Covid Gender Restrictions for Shopping
However, gender restrictions for shopping remain in place. Women can leave the house to go shopping 3 days a week. Men can only go shopping 2 days a week. The days each gender can shop are listed below.
- Men – on Tuesdays, Thursdays
- Women – on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Sanitary Circle Restrictions
All the current sanitary circles will be maintained in the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste until further notice. Sanitary circles or fences are areas that do not allow people to travel into the area unless they have salvoconductos (permission to travel permit) or a documented need to travel into or through the circle.
Weekend Lock Downs
Unfortunately, Panama and Panama Oeste will be under a full-lockdown on the weekends. The weekend lockdown time period is below.
- From 9 pm Fridays until 4 am Mondays
Staggered Work Start Times by Type
One way Panama is helping to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in these 2 provinces is by staggering the start times of various workers. This will mean few people on buses, taxis and on foot all trying to get back and forth to work. The timetable is below.
- 7 am – Construction workers
- 8 am – Workers at private companies
- 9 am – Public sector workers
Beach Use Restrictions
There has been some confusion about whether people in the 6 provinces which have additional restrictions are allowed to swim in the ocean during the week or not. The confusion is a result of a contradiction regarding beach use between the Ministry of Health’s January 12th’s announcement of Panama’s movement restrictions vs the details of the Executive Decree #62 that President Cortizo signed on January 13th.
After much discussion, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) made a clarifying announcement for those 6 provinces.
- In Panama and Panama Oeste provinces, people are prohibited to access beaches and rivers until March 15th.
- In the Herrera province, beach and river access is prohibited until February 1
- In Cocle, Veraguas, Los Santos provinces, beach and river access is allowed
Other Covid Restrictions in Panama & Panama Oeste Provinces
Church Services: Maximum of 25 people or 25% of capacity. However, worship services must respect the weekend lockdown, so services can only occur Monday – Friday.
Sports: Only non-contact sports, conducted outside, are allowed
Retail:Â Online and delivery only
Work Meetings: 25 people maximum with social distancing and biosafety measures
Permitted Activities and Services during Covid in Panama & Panama Oeste
At least during the weekdays, Panama and Panama Oeste provinces are doing what they can to conduct business as usual, but always with Covid safety procedures in mind. The following services and activities are allowed.
- Construction supplies and delivery services
- Car rental and other transport equipment services
- Real estate rentals
- Business supply services
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Promoters and agents of artists, academics, and sport
- Science research services
- Marketing and advertising services
- Consulting services
- Copy shops and related services
- Professional sercices
- Technical services such as plumbing, electrical, AC, elevator maintenance, swimming pool cleaning, mechanics, sheet metal, refrigeration, spare parts for pretty much anything
- Domestic and cleaning services
- Laundry services
Cocle, Veraguas, Los Santos Provinces
All businesses must shut by 7:30 pm so be sure to time your visits to the store accordingly. Thankfully, there are no gender restrictions regarding shopping for the provinces of Cocle, Veraguas, and Los Santos.
Weekend Lock Down – Jan 15-17 Only
In addition to the national curfew, the Cocle, Veraguas and Los Santos provinces are under lockdown this weekend. And, for now, the lockdown is for this weekend only.
- Friday, Jan 15 at 9 pm until Monday, Jan 17 at 4 a
Beach Use Restrictions
There has been some confusion about whether people in the 6 provinces which have additional restrictions are allowed to swim in the ocean during the week or not. The confusion is a result of a contradiction regarding beach use between the Ministry of Health’s January 12th’s announcement of Panama’s movement restrictions vs the details of the Executive Decree #62 that President Cortizo signed on January 13th.
After much discussion, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) made a clarifying announcement for those 6 provinces.
- In Cocle, Veraguas, Los Santos provinces, beach and river access is allowed.
- In Panama and Panama Oeste provinces, people are prohibited to access beaches and rivers until March 15th
- In the Herrera province, beach and river access is prohibited until February 1
Herrera Province
Covid Gender Restrictions for Shopping
However, gender restrictions for shopping remain in place. Like in the Panama and Panama Oeste provinces, women can leave the house to go shopping 3 days a week. Men can only go shopping 2 days a week. The days each gender can shop are listed below.
- Men – on Tuesdays, Thursdays
- Women – on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Weekend Lock Downs
Unfortunately, again like in Panama and Panama Oeste, the Herrera province will be under a full-lockdown on the weekends. Specifically, starting on Friday, January 15, 2021, the lockdown is as follows.
- From 9 pm Fridays until 4 am Mondays
Beach Use Restrictions
There has been some confusion about whether people in the 6 provinces which have additional restrictions are allowed to swim in the ocean during the week or not. The confusion is a result of a contradiction regarding beach use between the Ministry of Health’s January 12th’s announcement of Panama’s movement restrictions vs the details of the Executive Decree #62 that President Cortizo signed on January 13th.
After much discussion, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) made a clarifying announcement for those 6 provinces.
- In the Herrera province, beach and river access is prohibited until February 1
- In Cocle, Veraguas, Los Santos provinces, beach and river access is allowed.
- In Panama and Panama Oeste provinces, people are prohibited to access beaches and rivers until March 15th
Consequences of Disobeying the Covid Restrictions in Panama
If you break curfew or fail to quarantine when required, then you may be fined or possibly jailed. Reports suggest the fines handed out to date range from $100 to $1000. Become familiar with the rules and do your best to stick with them. They won’t last forever.
Overall Covid-Safety Guidance
The government of Panama is doing its best to curb the spread of the coronavirus. They are asking everyone in Panama do the following
- Limit the time spent interacting with people not in your household
- Wash your hands as often as possible and avoid touching your face
- Wear a mask at all times when not in your home
- Maintain social distancing inside and outdoors
- Comply with all the Covid restrictions in your province
Following all these guidelines is the only way that Panama can get through this pandemic. Stick to these Covid restrictions in Panama and you’ll not only avoid prosecution but also contribute to the nation overcoming the Coronavirus.