In addition, the entity reported that 1,035 new cases of COVID-19 were registered in the last 24 hours, increasing the number of infections in the country to 51,408. These new cases were detected after the application of some 2,971 tests nationwide.

While the active cases add up to 23,850. So far, 26,520 patients have recovered.

Of these cases, the Minsa assured that some 21,946 people remain isolated at home; and 620 are confined in hospital hotels.

While in the country there are 1,284 hospitalized; of which 1,117 are in wards and 167 in intensive care units.

The new tests applied were 2,971, with a positivity rate of 34.8%, Minsa said in a statement.

The total number of tests carried out since last March is 180,814 (126,411 were negative and 534,403 positive).

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported this Friday, July 17, 51,408 accumulated cases of Covid-19 and 1,038 deaths, after 1,035 new cases and 38 deaths were registered in the last hours.

Today, 678 people are symptom-free, bringing the number of recoveries from the new coronavirus to 26,520.

The new tests applied to date are 2,971, for a positivity rate of 34.8%, Minsa said in a statement.

The total number of tests carried out since last March is 180,814 (126,411 were negative and 534,403 positive).

In home isolation there are 22,566 people, of whom 21,946 are at home and 620 in the so-called hospital hotels.

While 1,284 patients remain hospitalized, 1,117 of them are in the ward and 167 in the intensive care unit.

Quarantine weekends

Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre reminded the population that the curfew from Monday to Thursday, in the provinces of Panama and Panama West, begins at 7:00 pm until 5:00 am, and on Fridays from 7:00 pm to Monday at 5:00 am, as ordered by Executive Decree 869 as of today.

He also said that the possibility of establishing a curfew is being evaluated in Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí and Colón, as well as in other provinces, given the increase in positive cases that have been reflected in recent weeks.

This is not the time to visit, receive visits or have parties; All these types of social activities are prohibited, as well as family gatherings in spas or beaches throughout the country, said Sucre, during a meeting with regional authorities and organized civil society in the province of Coclé.

Drones with temperature sensor in Coclé

The Minsa announced that as part of the actions to combat the Covid-19, Mavic 2 pro drones with heat sensors that work with an infrared device that allows detecting if people have a high temperature will be used in the province of Coclé, as a contribution from the company Es Flor de Mayo Investement, SA

The Health Minister, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Security Ivor Pittí, inaugurated this Friday the Operations Center for Community Control and Traceability of the Covid-19 in Coclé, where the use of these technological instruments was explained.

Enterprise model drones will be used to detect people with high temperatures, who are circulating on the streets and in crowds, he said.

It was explained during the presentation that drones allow the temperature to be recorded in real time and once a person with a high temperature is captured, they will undergo the respective tests to diagnose if they are infected with the virus.

Mario Lozada, regional director of Health of Coclé, affirmed that this sector of the country began with traceability since March 19, although the new coordination, reinforcement and organization strategy has been in place for three weeks.

To date, the province of Coclé registers 299 recovered cases, 480 accumulated cases of which 173 are active, 23 hospitalized patients and 8 deceased.