The Association of Restaurants, Bars, and Clubs of Panama ( Arbyd ) clarified that the proposal presented to the Ministry of Health (Minsa) to condition the entry to these places only to people vaccinated against covid-19, is part of actions that seek to give access to the immunization process.

"Arbyd will never propose measures that violate human rights or that discriminate against individual freedom," the association said in a statement.

The proposal, Arbyd said, includes options for those who cannot or do not want to be vaccinated such as having a swab test at least 48 hours before using commercial facilities.

"Vaccination will increase capacity in restaurants and bars, so the reactivation of the sector goes hand in hand with the support that we have been offering to the Ministry of Health from day one so that staff and diners are vaccinated even in our premises," he says the Arbyd.

On the other hand, he reiterated that it is imperative to eliminate curfew or mobility restrictions "that remain when the economic awakening."

According to Arbyd, the vast majority of restaurants continue to accumulate bank and rent debts, confronting complex labor-management situations.

The proposal was presented to the Minsa on July 19 by Carlos Araúz, Arbyd's advisor.