Due to the spread of covid-19, from March 21, 2020 and for a period of 30 days, the government has ordered the temporary closure of shops and businesses in the country, with the exception of pharmacies, supermarkets, banks, gas stations and others.  We are now in a quarantine with a couple of hours each day for shopping  for necessities based upon your ID number.  As I am over 60, I can go out from 11 AM until 1 PM.  Thanks God we live in a small community and can get out for fresh air and warm sunshine!!

The Ministry of Health considers it necessary to apply additional health measures to reduce, mitigate and control the spread of the disease COVID-19, in view of the pandemic declared by the WHO, explains the decree published in the Official Journal.

The official document reports that the temporary closure of commercial establishments and companies of natural or legal persons throughout the national territory is ordered, with the exception of the following activities “…  1. The entire chain of production, distribution, marketing and sale of:

a. Food
b. Medicines and hygiene products
c. Safety equipment
d. Building materials
e. Veterinary and agricultural inputs
f. Maintenance, operation and distribution companies of medical equipment
g. Manufacturers of packaging and supplies from all sectors listed above
h. Printers
i. Laundries.”

The exception is also made for everything related to maritime, land and air transportation, Panama‘s Metro, MiBus and gas stations. In the case of restaurants, they will only be able to deliver or sell to take away.

See full document (in Spanish).