(Reuters) - Panama has in recent years invested billions of dollars to establish itself as a top commercial, logistical and air transport hub in the Americas. That has also made it prone to opening its doors to diseases like COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus. With 90 air connections to 34 countries in the Americas and Europe through its main airport, and the … [Read more...]
Panama Canal operating safely during epidemic
(Hellenic Shipping News) “The maritime sector is calm and working in order, providing confidence and transmitting tranquility to our customers,” says the president of the Panama Maritime Chamber (CMP), Nicolás Vukelja. Vukelja, The maritime sector, including the Panama Canal, represents approximately a third of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and generates … [Read more...]
How the coronavirus will impact Panama’s economy
(Atlantic Council) As of March 17, 2020, Panama had more cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) than any other country in Central America, with eighty-six confirmed cases. Panama has implemented nationwide policies to combat the spread of the virus and signed a regional agreement to address the pandemic with members of the Central American Integration System (Sistema de la … [Read more...]
Panama’s Copa Airlines cancels all flights as coronavirus crisis spreads
(Reuters) - Panama’s Copa Airlines on Friday said it will suspend all operations from March 22 until April 21, making it the first Latin American carrier to take such a drastic measure in order to weather the coronavirus crisis. Air travel in Latin America has become heavily restricted in recent days. Panama and Colombia announced the suspension of all international … [Read more...]
Festival-goers stranded in Panama
(BBC) People attending a festival in Panama have been put on lockdown after the country declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus, organisers say. The Tribal Gathering festival said officials had taken the "extraordinary step" of ordering all guests at the site to remain there until 23 March. One attendee said some 300 people were there. The organisers … [Read more...]