Coronavirus: Panama bans the sale and consumption of alcohol

Text by: Grégoire Pourtier

Panama was very quick to react to the coronavirus. As of the first confirmed cases on its soil, two weeks ago, the small country of Central America took measures. On Thursday evening, March 26, the death toll was nine and 674 people officially affected, making Panama the most affected country in the region. And the population is entering a new phase of its containment.

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From our correspondent in Panama City,

Panamanians can no longer go out shopping when they wish.
Like the traffic alternating with license plates, the last digit of their identity card now defines the time at which they can go on the street and then enter the supermarkets. Those over 65 have a special two-hour window at midday.

Since the start of the crisis, Panama has been one of the quickest countries to take action. It only took three days after the first confirmed cases for a state of emergency to be declared, as of March 12.

Possible negative consequences

Air links with Europe were suspended the next day, then non-essential businesses closed. A strict curfew was imposed, as recalled by the police sirens from 5 p.m.

And the authorities continue to tighten the screw. It is now formally prohibited to sell and consume alcohol. Posters remind him of this in small supermarkets and large supermarkets, where the police watch the cash desks and shopping carts.

Authorities say that alcohol is a factor in the spread of the virus and a source of violence, but some also question the negative consequences that such a measure could have on the mood of the population.

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• Panama
• Coronavirus
• Containment
• Health and Medicine

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