During a Coffee with La Prensa, Duque indicated that they continue working on the protocols to restart activities. More than 50 measures of best practices worldwide have been applied, she said.

She mentioned the formation of the health committees, the cleaning and sanitation of all areas. We have been preparing, adapting the facilities, with separations of spaces, in order to guarantee purchases with tranquility and security, she said.

However, there is no date for reopening. Duque commented that it was expected that this could happen gradually in June, which did not happend ebcause of the increase in cases of Covid-19.

Precisely because "safe" reopening plans are looking a little slow, Duque called on the authorities to work together. We have a health crisis, added to an economic and social crisis, and the lack of income for Panamanians, could increase the crisis, she said.

She explained that there are 50,000 jobs generated by the shopping center industry, who today have their contracts suspended.

In the virtual forum, Duque recalled that since May 19, the shopping centers have partially closed operations.

Currently 90% of shops keep their doors closed, while the rest are basic necessities selling stores, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, among others. This has meant that operating expenses, such as security and maintenance, have been incurred, however, there are not enough operating businesses to cover these expenses.

She also warned that, with a total quarantine measure, businesses will not be able to open. Therefore, she advocated a comprehensive plan that addresses the issue of health, social and economic.

What we want to avoid is the closing of shops, because every time they close, thousands of people are left without work, she said.

Annie Muñoz, leader of category management and training for Latin America at Nielsen, an information, data and measurement company, stressed that consumption has been affected in this stage of confinement, not only in Panama but throughout the region and now people are more willing to buy online.

The expert said that e-commerce is projected to continue this boom, in what refers mainly to food and personal hygiene items. The development of e-commerce has accelerated worldwide, reaching record growth rates.

As a result of this, there are retailers and businesses that activated e-commerce, a trend that is here to stay, she stressed. We are already adapting dynamics of e-commerce in developed countries, she said.

According to the expert, one of the main challenges will be to provide a seamless experience for the consumer. It's time to reinvent yourself, she said.