The measures announced by the Ministry of Health for the entry to Panama of people from or in transit from the United Kingdom, the Republic of South Africa, India or South America, have already been promulgated by Executive Decree No. 589.

The document establishes that as of 12:01 am this Monday, May 1, 2021, that any person from, who has stayed or traveled through the United Kingdom, South Africa, India or South America during the last 15 days and who enters the country by air, land or sea, using private or commercial means, you must bring a PCR or negative antigen test with you a maximum of 48 hours before your arrival.

This proof must also be presented prior to boarding at the airline, the port of embarkation or at the company that carries out the transport.

Upon arrival in the country, a molecular test must be carried out at your cost, prior to entering the National Migration Service.

"If the result of the test is negative, you must comply with isolation for 3 days at your home if you are a national or resident in Panama, and have the corresponding documentation, or in a surveillance hotel for non-covid-19 travelers, at the cost of the State , as considered by the health authority.

The document indicates that if the passenger is a non-resident foreigner, does not have the necessary documentation and only has his passport, he must comply with the isolation.

After completing the isolation, the PCR or antigen test must be repeated, either carried out by the health authority or at its expense, in a laboratory that has operating permits from the Technical Health Council and is validated by the Institute. Gorgas Memorial for Health Studies.

If the result is negative, the isolation ends, the regulations indicate.

Seafarers, technical and auxiliary crews, ship mechanics, as well as drivers and international cargo transport assistants, as well as humanitarian personnel, are excluded from the measure.

However, they must present their certificate of negative swab / PCR tests every 15 days to the national authorities.

The Minsa indicated that since the passenger operation began, more than 750 passengers have been detected who have given false information at the Tocumen Airport regarding their location or residence.

The decree signed by the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo and the Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre, will take effect on May 3, 2021.

Source