New measures against covid-19 in Panama 3:44
(CNN Spanish) -
The Minister of Health of Panama, Luis Francisco Sucre, threatened to dismiss officials who are caught by the authorities at clandestine parties, meetings between friends - known in the country as parking lots - or mass activities where they are not Respect biosecurity measures for covid-19.
Sucre made that warning this Tuesday during the presentation of the weekly report on the situation of covid-19 in the Central American country.
Augusto Berrocal, legal advisor to the National Federation of Public Servants, considered that Sucre's statements could have been delivered in the heat of the moment.
Speaking to CNN, Berrocal added that Sucre must clarify what he meant, because it leaves the interpretation of the authorities what a parking lot or a party is.
Mandatory use of masks in public transport in Panama 1:40
In his message to the country, Sucre recalled the parties in which the police have intervened.
He argued that those who fail to comply with health standards to prevent covid-19 "put their health at risk, the collective public health, put their family and co-workers at risk."
Covid-19 cases on the rise in Panama
According to official data, as of Wednesday afternoon, Panama accumulated 411,226 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 6,599 deaths.
There are 13,540 active cases, 724 hospitalized, and 114 of them in intensive care.
The president of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, reaches two years in office amid protests
In this regard, Rigoberto González, attorney for the administration of Panama, said in statements to the media that officials could not be telling others not to do something that they end up doing.
advertising
The decline of tourism in Panama due to the covid-19 3:57
“Without going to individualize, unfortunately in these circumstances that has been happening.
Public opinion has demanded it and questioned it, ”recalled Gonzalez, who governs the actions of public servants, and urged to set an example.
Hours before the announcement of the Minister of Health, the president of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, said he was concerned about the increase in cases in the country.
"Months ago we had 2%, 3% and we are already reaching 9% positivity," he said.
coronavirus Panama