Monday, May 11, 2020
As the light of day bathed me through curtains oddly drawn apart, I woke to a cool breeze from the AC and an unusually strong aroma of my favorite Alto Lino coffee from Boquete. I could almost feel the warmth of the mug emanating from the nightstand where Queen Sayira placed it just a moment ago. Although since retired from the room, I could feel her smirk and hear her steps as she attempted to sneak away. “Awesome, she’s in a good mood this morning.”, I thought. And then I, too, smirked, “I wonder what she’s conniving!”
But I knew what she was up to. She’s no dummy. I had made her a promise the night before and being the shrewd woman that she is, she’s doing all she can to help me keep that promise. Today, I will be asking Magni, the Viking God of Strength, and every other God available to help me keep said promise. Today I return to my workout routine. I have the absolute BEST excuses for having stopped. Just ask me, I’ll tell ya! There’s the ever-popular, “I had too much work to do” excuse. Not to mention, the “I have to write an article for this one reason that I can’t say, cuz it’s top-secret” excuse. Or my wife’s favorite, “Honey, I can’t because I didn’t hydrate enough today.” If you’ve never actually seen a person literally “LOL” before, she does every time I’ve ever said this. Whichever the reason, I have the best excuses to avoid exercising.
I’m well aware though that it’s always about priorities. I suppose today, I’ll keep my promise to her (and to me) and instead I’ll watch one less movie that I’ve probably seen at least twice before. Sorry, “Escape From New York”, tonight’s not your night.
Today had me especially happy, practically all day. The morning was great with coffee in bed, but the day couldn’t have gotten any better when Panama’s President Laurentino “Nito” Cortizo tweeted to the public that Panama would start its gradual return to the “New Normal” starting on Wednesday. I had certain ideas of what that would entail. The Health Minister had recently stated that Retail Businesses would be a part of the first companies to open. That seemed to be a bit too much, though. Then I recalled another recent article about how retail companies were pushing the government to allow them to sell through the e-commerce platform. Of course, I had to start calling all of my contacts. I was desperate for information! Brains needed picking!! Friends Frank in Casinos, Gerardo my lawyer and even my mom had input for me! It felt like Christmas. I hadn’t felt this excited since the government proposed lifting Dry Law! Sure, that was just a few days ago, but what a great feeling this was. I was thoroughly giddy with excitement. And then, sure enough, the 6:00 p.m. press release from the government started late as is customary, but was stocked with 5 ministers and 5 professional advisors seated behind them. Can you say, “Got Me On Pins and Needles!?!?” They walked us through the process and then gave us the details on the proposed “next step towards the New Normal”. In short, we did get a few freedoms reinstated, those being E-Commerce for Retail, vehicle repair shops and parts, technical services as well as industrial and aquacultural fishing. It wasn’t as magnificent as I had hoped it would be though. We still maintain the same standards of quarantine and… …oh crap, I still need to keep my promise to Queen Sayira.
Here’s the rest of the proposal:
Commerce – Segments of sectors that will gradually open
| 1st Segment | 2nd Segment | 3rd Segment | 4th Segment | 5th Segment | 6th Segment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting on May 13th | Date TBD | Date TBD | Date TBD | Date TBD | Date TBD |
| Online retail sales | Public infrastructure construction | Wholesale and retail commerce | Hotels | Education | When treatment is available, or an effective vaccine is developed |
| Mechanics and parts workshops | Non-metallic mining | Car dealerships | Restaurants | Transportation | |
| Technical services | Worship areas, social and sports areas to 25% of capacity, and 2m of distance | Professional and administrative services | Air transport | Sports | |
| Industrial fishing and aquaculture | Industry | Construction of private projects | Bars and recreation sites | All the remaining, concerts, fairs, and discotheques | |
| Quarantine is maintained as well as mobility restrictions | |||||
| Work meetings of 10 people max are authorized |
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS
FIRST BLOCK OF COMPANIES ENTERS TO OPERATE WITH THE NEW NORMALITY ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Retail sales (electronic commerce), mechanical and spare parts workshops, technical services, as well as fishing and aquaculture will be able to start operations as of Wednesday, May 13, as part of the first block that incorporates the new normality in amid the pandemic by COVID-19.
The announcement was made yesterday by several members of the Cabinet, among them, the Minister of Health, Rosario Turner; The Minister of Economy and Finance, Héctor Alexander; the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ramón Martínez; and the Minister of Public Security, Luis Pino.
KNOW THE GUIDELINES THAT THE MINSA PROPOSES SO THAT THE COMPANIES ARE REACTIVATED
The guide is aimed at producers, distributors, micro-companies, medium-sized companies and large companies and their clients.
The document that establishes sanitary and control measures for the operations of the companies was prepared by the Minsa, the Social Security Fund (CSS), the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), and has the support of advisers from the Pan American Health Organization.
Resolution No. 405 was published in Official Gazette No. 29021-B of May 11, 2020, and is aimed at producers, distributors, micro-enterprises, medium-sized companies and large companies and their clients, who are required to comply with the established standards. by health authorities in order to suppress and mitigate the spread of the virus.
Among the 5 points to develop for business operations are:
- In each public entity, private company and every economic sector, a special health and hygiene committee must be created for the prevention and care of the new coronavirus, which will be in charge of enforcing the protocols and guides issued by the Minsa.
- Workers, customers, suppliers and visitors must follow prevention measures and controls, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water (recommended every half hour), use alcohol-based gel and masks, maintain physical distance of at least 2 meters between people and have general protective equipment according to the work activity they carry out. In addition, areas and surfaces must be disinfected and debris must be properly managed.
- Locals will have to establish special hours and restrict the number of people so that physical distance can be kept. The teleworking modality will help to fulfil this point.
- Frequent monitoring of the symptoms of employees and clients must be carried out, as well as the taking of temperature. No one will be allowed to enter who sets a temperature of 38 degrees or more.
- Management of work stress and psychological help.
The entity also published the health guide for post-COVID-19 retail operations with online delivery mode and vehicle without contact with the customer in Panama. Turner reiterated that the new normal will be gradual, asymmetric and with social participation, which includes the family and the different social actors in the country.
“This has been a complex task at the global and national level, which has forced nations to implement different tools in terms of innovation, adaptation of processes, both social, economic and health,” said Turner.
Next week, an additional budget for COVID-19 should be approved, which will be used to appoint 120 health professionals who will be prepared to achieve more active traceability of cases in the country.
It should be noted that the Minsa has not yet revealed a schedule for the reopening of activities, the document published this Sunday is only preparation guidelines for when authorization is given, which will entail a series of certification processes.
READ HERE THE FULL HEALTH GUIDE WITH MINSA GUIDELINES:
1,545 PEOPLE DETAINED AT THE WEEKEND FOR BREACHING THE QUARANTINE
Units of the National Police (PN) apprehended this weekend a total of 1,545 people for failing to comply with the quarantine decreed by the pandemic of the new coronavirus COVID-19.
Of this total, 1,471 are adults and 74 are minors, the PN explained.
While 54 vehicles were returned in the different sanitary fences for not keeping the documents for circulation. Meanwhile, 144 cars were towed.
In addition, during the weekend, PN units carried out 38 raids in various parts of the country, seized 11 firearms and apprehended 108 people requested for various crimes.
https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2020/05/11/1-545-personas-detenidas-semana/2848491.html
EUROPEAN PASSENGERS STRANDED IN PANAMA, IN LONG LINES TO TAKE HUMANITARIAN FLIGHT
Dozens of Europeans went to the Tocumen International Airport this Monday, May 11, hoping to board a humanitarian flight that would return them to their respective countries, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Many had to wait in long lines to register. Others tried to enter the airport, but were returned, after being informed that their flight would be another day.
84 HONDURAN AND 23 SALVADORAN ARE REPATRIATED FROM THE TOCUMEN AIRPORT
Early Monday morning, a total of 107 passengers – 84 Hondurans and 23 Salvadorans – were repatriated to their respective countries on a humanitarian flight carried out by Copa Airlines, from Tocumen International Airport.
55% OF PATIENTS WITH CORONAVIRUSES HAVE RECOVERED, SAYS THE MINISTER OF HEALTH
55% of patients who tested positive for Covid-19 in the country are clinically recovered, announced the Minister of Health, Rosario Turner, this Sunday, May 10.
The total number of cases accumulated to date is 8,448 and those clinically recovered total 4,687, the health authorities reported.
According to this Sunday’s report, to date the virus has killed 244 people in the country.
In the last hours, 166 new cases of coronavirus and 7 new deaths were registered, said the director of the Metropolitan Health Region, Israel Cedeño.
The people who remain in home isolation are 3,188, and of these 996 are in hospital hotels.
While the patients with the new coronavirus are hospitalized, there are 329, of whom 242 are in wards and 87 in intensive care units. Cedeño indicated that the total number of tests carried out to detect Covid-19 is 42,657, and of this figure 32,744 were negative and 9,913 positive.
He added that the number of new tests were 1,008.
For her part, the Minister of Social Development, Markova Concepción, said that 880,828 bags of food, 629,500 Panama bonds and 240,329 digital vouchers have been delivered, for a total amount of 15.9 million dollars.
ACODECO: FAMILIES MUST RECEIVE A DISCOUNT FROM SCHOOLS
The Acodeco said that it continues to offer guidance and advice to parents who claim inconsistencies in the service provided by some private schools, authorized by the Ministry of Education to continue with the teaching-learning process from the virtual modules due to the pandemic due to Covid-19.
Given the new scenario of virtual classes, parents should receive a discount on the cost of monthly payments, said the general administrator of Acodeco, Jorge Quintero Quirós.
“Parents should receive a significant discount in the cost of the monthly payment, since the contract changed from face-to-face to virtual, therefore, it requires an evaluation by the parties involved and not unilaterally,” warned the administrator of the Acodeco.
Quintero Quirós said that “the agreed position of the respective parents’ associations is very important, it will be included and taken into consideration in the mediation process.”
He reiterated that Acodeco always seeks to defend the best contractual position for the consumer due to dissatisfaction in the paid service. The Acodeco said that it continues to offer guidance and advice to parents who claim inconsistencies in the service provided by some private schools, authorized by the Ministry of Education to continue with the teaching-learning process from the virtual modules due to the pandemic due to Covid-19.
GOVERNMENT MINISTER CONFIRMS THE COVID-19 COUNT OF 117 INMATES AND 11 GUARDS
Government Minister Janaina Tewaney revealed on Monday that there are currently 117 prisoners in the prison system affected by the coronavirus and 11 custodians nationwide. Minister Tewaney highlights that they have provided isolation centers for inmates with COVID-19.
Tewaney indicated that the infected inmates belong to the Nueva Esperanza de Colón Penal Center (11) and the Women’s Rehabilitation Center (96), and they are kept properly isolated and in stable health conditions.
About the custodians, the minister announced that the cases have been registered in Aguadulce, Cefere and Colón.
The minister explained that the responses they have given in the cases of COVID-19 have been coordinated and on time, given that they had anticipated possible infections.
“I understand the anxiety of the relatives and especially of those deprived of liberty, which is an anxiety that we are all having, the population in general … We from day 1 have carried out all the measures at the hands of the Minsa to that the prison population be protected, ” said the minister.
In this sense, it was highlighted that in the event of an outbreak in the Penitentiary Complex that contains La Joya, La Joyita and La Nuevo Joya, an isolation center has been planned in the clinic and another place is being prepared to house some 400 private; Also in the interior of the republic there is a place to place the inmates in isolation.
The head of the Government also announced that in the next few days new lists will be published requesting a reduction in penalties for those inmates who meet certain requirements and highlighted the work of the Judicial Branch in accelerating the processes that grant other measures such as household deposits and others, which allow the evacuation of prisoners from prisons.
ACODECO INSPECTS SHOPS THAT SELL LIQUOR
The Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco) carried out this Monday, May 11, operations to supervise the sale of liquor in Panama City. Several men were found lining up to buy liquor, even though it is not their proper day to go out. Acodeco sought to ensure that the established limit of 1 six pack of beers, or 1 bottle of liquor or wine per person was being respected. Workers in home delivery companies cannot distribute more than this amount to an individual. The objective is to visit some 150 shops. Penalties can be up to $10,000.
https://www.tvn-2.com/nacionales/Acodeco-realiza-operativo-comercios-venden_0_5576442344.html
MAYOR OF CHEPO LIFTS LAW DRY EXCEPTING ZONES UNDER SANITARY FENCE
The Municipality of Chepo accepted this Monday, May 11, the gradual lifting of the dry law that the Executive Body decreed, however, exceptions to this measure are communities within the district that have been declared an epidemiological zone or are under a sanitary fence, by COVID-19.
Likewise, the Mayor’s Office prohibited in these areas the “generation of noise through the use of any type of sound reproductive equipment, sound amplifier, similar devices and other means or systems that disturb the community.”
After the gradual lifting of the dry law in Panama, the Municipality of Chepo prohibited the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages throughout the district until June 7, however, due to the increase in the clandestine liquor trade, the measure is lifted.
The mayor’s office reiterated that the sale can only be made in commercial establishments authorized for the sale of alcoholic beverages, in closed and retail containers, for personal and household consumption.
MAYOR OF SANTIAGO FILES GUARANTEE AGAINST DECREE THAT LIFTS THE DRY LAW
The mayor of Santiago, Samid Sandoval presented this May 11 before the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) an amparo of guarantees against Executive Decree No. 612, through which the National Government lifted the Dry Law throughout the national territory.
According to Sandoval, there is a clash of laws between this decree and Law 5 of January 11, 2007, through which municipal autonomy is given to mayors in the area of alcoholic beverages.
In this sense, Sandoval said that they are requesting the CSJ to resolve this legal situation.
“We are facing an emergency situation, so the specialty principle must be maintained,” said the mayor.
Sandoval called on the Executive body to consult on the lifting of the Dry Law. The Mayor of Santiago decided to keep the Dry Law in this district despite the decision of the Executive body.
CHIRICAN DRIVERS TAKE ACTION AFTER ROUTE REOPENING
Before the reopening of some routes in the transport terminal of the province of Chiriquí, the drivers of this transport take their preventive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
SICAMOCH DRIVERS RESTART OPERATIONS INSIDE LA CHORRERA
Kelly Fillos, leader of this union, indicated that the decision was made in response to the claim of the service by users, many of whom cannot pay for the use of taxis.
The Drivers and Automotive Union of La Chorrera (Sicamoch), restarted operations within this district, after being suspended since last April, as a result of the new coronavirus pandemic. As reported by the Sicamochleadership, the transport service will start with five units, although the number of buses could increase based on demand for the service.
You can only issue public transport driving licenses if you have 25 years Ediles de La Chorrera ask to quote the Governor of Panama West for the issue of bonds and food bag.
Sicamoch has maintained the transport service to the capital city, complying with the regulations of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) regarding number of passengers and cleaning of vehicles. For their part, carriers of the internal routes that provide service to the towns of Guadalupe and Playa Leona in La Chorrera, indicated that this Tuesday they will make a decision regarding restarting the service.
Domenico Cedeño, leader of the group of TransportistasUnidos Chorreranos S.A (TUCSA), indicated that some internal transport routes have already resumed service, emphasizing the use of gel alcohol before boarding the vehicle and the passenger limit.
LAURETINO CORTIZO PROMISES TO CALL A NATIONAL DIALOGUE TO SOLVE THE SOCIAL SECURITY CRISIS
The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo will call a national dialogue to find a way out of the financial crisis that the Social Security Fund (CSS) is going through. The president made it clear through his Twitter account, where he asked the members of the board of directors of the Social Security Fund not to make any decision that affects the insured population, until they find a comprehensive solution, product of a great national dialogue. Laurentino Cortizoindicated that already on January 2, 2020, in the National Assembly, he announced that a consensus would be sought to save the country’s first social security institution. Already some unions such as the Chamber of Commerce is Industries and Agriculture of Panama have spoken about the situation of the CSS, calling on the National Government to convene a national dialogue as soon as possible.
In the last two months, the income from the employer-employee quota decreased by 85%, according to data provided by the CSS. According to the unaudited financial statements of the CSS, Francisco Bustamante said that, in 2018, the pension deficit of the IVM defined or solidarity benefit program was 48 million and in 2019 it was 249 million. The crisis of the Social Security Fund has been coming for years, however, due to the situation that has arisen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem has worsened, taking into account that the economic situation has led many companies cannot cope with the worker-employer quota. The last reforms to the Organic Law of the Social Security Fund took place in 2005, during the government administration of Martín Torrijos Espino. At that time, through a national dialogue, changes were approved such as the increase in the minimum quotas for retirement, the increase in the employer’s quota, among other aspects.
MORE THAN 170 THOUSAND LABOR CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR
At least 170,562 labor contracts have been suspended in the private sector since the coronavirus crisis began in early March until yesterday, Sunday, May 10, according to a report by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel).
The suspension of contracts measure was applied by some 10 thousand 512 companies that have seen their income affected in the midst of the economic crisis generated by the stoppage of activities.
Most of the companies (5 thousand 525) that have opted for the measure of suspension of contracts, are located in Panama City.
The report also reveals that, of the total number of contracts suspended until yesterday, 55% (94,105) affect men, while the remaining 45% affect women.
Executive Decree No. 81, promulgated in the Official Gazette on March 20, 2020, establishes the basis for temporarily suspending the effects of employment contracts on affected companies.
With this measure, workers are not required to provide the service and employers are not required to pay wages until the state of emergency is lifted.
According to the regulations, people harmed by the suspension of the contract can benefit from the food bag or digital bonds that the Government is distributing throughout the country.
For the Mitradel, once the movement restrictions that have caused the closure of thousands of companies are over, restructuring must be done and it will no longer depend on some economic activities and take advantage of opportunities in other areas such as logistics and technology that will be the spearhead of the world economy.
“As a country we must prepare for change, master technology, speak English and strengthen our social skills in customer service,” said Roger Alberto Tejada, vice minister of Labor and Labor Development.
AVIATOR PILOTS DONATE THEIR TIME TO MAKE FOOD DELIVERIES
Some 28 thousand pounds of food have been distributed nationwide as part of the Panama Solidarity Program, but for this to be possible, many people have had to donate their time and risk their lives to fulfill their role. This makes them heroes.
STATUS UPDATE
8,616 ACCUMULATED CASES AND 249 DEATHS RECORDED DUE TO COVID-19 IN PANAMA
- 8,616 positive cases accumulated
- 168 new cases
- 249 deaths
The lethality percentage of the virus in Panama is 2.8%, while the world behavior is estimated at 7%, according to health minister Rosario Turner.
In the country there are a total of 49% of beds available in the ward and 42% in the Intensive Care Unit.
Coronavirus statistics from Day 1:
- Mon, March 9: 1 case
- Tues 10: 8 cases (+7)
- Wed 11: 14 cases (+6)
- Thu 12: 27 cases (+13)
- Fri 13: 36 cases (+9)
- Sat 14:43 cases (+7)
- Sun 15: 55 cases (+12)
- Mon 16: 69 cases (+14)
- Tues 17: 86 cases (+17)
- Wed 18: 109 cases (+23)
- Thu 19: 137 cases (+28)
- Fri 20: 200 cases (+63)
- Sat 21: 245 cases (+45)
- Sun 22: 313 cases (+68)
- Mon 23: 345 cases (+32)
- Tues 24: 443 cases (+98)
- Wed 25: 558 cases (+115)
- Thu 26: 674 cases (+116)
- Fri 27: 786 cases (+112)
- Sat 28: 901 cases (+115)
- Sun 29: 989 cases (+88)
- Mon 30: 1075 cases (+86)
- Tues 31: 1181 cases (+106)
- Wed April 1:1317 cases (+136)
- Thu 2: 1475 cases (+158)
- Fri 3: 1673 cases (+198)
- Sat 4: 1801 cases (+128)
- Sun 5: 1988 cases (+187)
- Mon 6: 2100 cases (+112)
- Tues 7: 2249 cases (+149)
- Wed 8: 2528 cases (+279)
- Thu 9: 2752 cases (+224)
- Fri 10: 2974 cases (+222)
- Sat 11: 3234 cases (+260)
- Sun 12: 3400 cases (+166)
- Mon 13: 3472 cases (+72)
- Tues 14: 3574 cases (+102)
- Wed 15: 3751 cases (+177)
- Thu 16: 4016 cases (+265)
- Fri 17: 4210 cases (+194)
- Sat 18: 4273 cases (+63)
- Sun 19: 4467 cases (+194)
- Mon 20: 4658 cases (+191)
- Tues 21: 4820 cases (+162)
- Wed 22: 4992 cases (+171)
- Thu 23: 5166 cases (+174)
- Fri 24: 5338 cases (+172)
- Sat 25: 5538 cases (+200)
- Sun 26: 5779 cases (+241)
- Mon 27: 6021 cases (+242)
- Tues 28: 6200 cases (+179)
- Wed 29: 6378 cases (+178)
- Thu, 30: 6532 cases (+154)
- Fri, May 1: 6720 cases (+188)
- Sat, May 2: 7090 cases (+370)
- Sun, May 3: 7197 cases (+107)
- Mon, May 4: 7387 cases (+190)
- Tues, May 5: 7523 cases (+136)
- Weds, May 6: 7731 cases (+208)
- Thu, May 7: 7868 cases (+137)
- Fri, May 8: 8070 cases (+202)
- Sat, May 9: 8282 cases (+212)
- Sun, May 10: 8448 cases (+166)
- Mon, May 11: 8616 cases (+168)
ENDNOTES
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there. Not here in Panama, but it was still a very special day for a lot of moms everywhere. I posted this quote from Theodore Roosevelt on my mom’s Facebook page. Aren’t I clever?
“When all is said, it is the mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who fights for his country. The successful mother, the mother who does her part in rearing and training aright the boys and girls, who are to be the men and women of the next generation, is of greater use to the community, and occupies, if she only would realize it, a more honorable as well as more important position than any man in it. The mother is the one supreme asset of the national life. She is more important, by far, than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist, or scientist.”
Here are a few other great “Mom Facts”.
- In Yugoslavia children creep into their parent’s bedroom first thing in the morning, and tie her up! In order to be released, it’s compulsorily for the Mother of the family to present her children with gifts as soon as she wakes up. This harmless fun, which is celebrated in December, guarantees to put a smile on everyone’s faces!
- Mother’s Day is of huge importance in Taiwan as it falls on the same date as the Buddha’s birthday which is the second Sunday in May. It is said to be a unified celebration and religious observance. Mother’s Day is therefore seen as an extremely holy celebration as it coincides with the ‘washing of the Buddha’ – meaning there is an abundance of carnivals, fetes, and parties to attend, all of which are lavish and widespread.
- The Swedish rejoice Mother’s Day on the last Sunday of May. Many children sell small plastic flowers as gifts to mark this special occasion. The money raised is used to send mothers with young children on a small trip! Other traditions include breakfast in bed, a dinner at her favorite restaurant and beautiful bouquets of flowers.
Once again, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, although belated.
Stay safe… Stay healthy… And by all means STAY HOME!!…
thanks for all the useful information
Friend of Cathy & Larry in Boquete
Friend of Cathy & Larry in Boquete
WhatsApp 6847-4089
Good morning all.