The Association of Restaurants, Bars and Clubs ( Arbyd ) presented to the Ministry of Health of Panama (Minsa) a proposal so that only people vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to enter these places.

This was announced by Carlos Araúz, Arbyd's advisor, in the Radiografía program, broadcast by RPC Radio and Eco TV.

“Last week, the Association of Restaurants, Bars and Clubs formally presented that to enter the different businesses that belong to the Arbyd, that belong to certain associations and unions, you will have to be vaccinated, that was presented to the Ministry of Health from here in Panama and I understand that it is being evaluated,” expressed Araúz.

This measure will be implemented in France, where as of July 21, a vaccination certificate will be required to enter entertainment venues such as bars, restaurants and cinemas. According to the French president, the objective is to recognize the civility of those vaccinated.

Read also: England will require two COVID vaccinations to enter nightclubs

The Arbyd representative understands that the decision to get vaccinated is personal, but emphasizes that in a scenario such as the COVID-19 pandemic, collective behavior is important over individual behavior.

"If people choose not to be vaccinated, they have the right to do so, but likewise they will have to face other types of consequences, for example access to restaurants, access to bars," said Carlos Araúz.

He believes that if Arbyd's proposal is approved "it would be a step in the right, legitimate and firm direction, that we finally do what is necessary to get out of this tough moment as quickly as possible."

According to the Vaccumometer, 1,876,605 doses of vaccines against COVID-19 have been applied in Panama, from the pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and AstraZeneca.