Coronavirus has entered our new home in Panamá, currently with 36 cases confirmed as of this writing. As a perspective, Panamá is roughly the size of South Carolina. Tocumen Airport in Panama City is a very busy international hub. It was only a matter of time. A state of emergency was decreed by Presidente Nito a few days ago. And, according to Newsroompanama.com, “Panama’s government has allocated $70 million to fight coronavirus as 9 more confirmed cases brought the total to 36 by 4 pm on Friday, March 13. Flights to and from Europe, now the epicenter of the pandemic according to the World Health Organization, have been suspended.”
With schools closed for the foreseeable future, as well as a ban on all public gatherings, it will definitely have a financial impact on the many small businesses and restaurants who do business in our small mountain tourist town. Many events, including the Tuesday Market, volunteer gatherings, the Beaches Jazz & Blues Festival, and the David International Fair have been cancelled. In the province of Chiriquí where we live, there has yet to be a confirmed case. The Mayor of Boquete is asking the President to block the entrance to Boquete at the Caldera checkpoint, of foreign tourists, principally those coming from countries with cases of COVID-19. We will have to show proof that we are residents of the district to pass through. We will see how this plays out. Hopefully these measures will help prevent the spread.
Personally, we have been on pins and needles over our upcoming 15 night repositioning cruise leaving the port of Colon to Lisbon, Portugal in mid April. Due to the escalation of the virus, it is highly unlikely that this will happen. Taking it day by day.
So if you were to be cooped up anywhere in the world, why not Boquete, Panamá? Could be in worse places for sure.
Hi guys!
Sorry to hear that this virus has finally hit your area. Please stay vigilant and safe. Hopefully, your government and the medical professionals can contain the spread of this virus and keep the panic of it all way down. Here in the states, which I’m sure you’ve heard, panic has gained crazy momentum and people are clearing out the stores. Toilet paper, of all things, has become a precious commodity. No one can explain why people are stockpiling toilet paper. With time, research and global communication, hopefully this will too come to pass. Stay safe, stay healthy and continue to enjoy your slice of heaven.
Thanks for your note! Tocumen closed to everything but aid related flights and starting today, only Panamanians and foreigners with residency allowed in the country. Liquor sales greatly reduced. Crazy times.