News highlights and summary (June 24, 2020):
· Borders remained closed and all flights suspended for an additional 30 days from June 22. Expected reopening date is July 22, but Copa has pushed back their initial flights until August. New routes or options may become available depending on how the phased reopening proceeds. **
· Panama returned to Phase 1 lockdown and remains there until further notice. The government has not yet provided any firm dates on continuing the phased reopening. Airlines and hotels are not scheduled to reopen until phase 4.
· Panama recently received the Travel Safety Stamp of approval from the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) recognizing Panama as one of the countries following world standards in health and hygiene safety protocols. *
· “Effective June 22, the Government of Panama authorizes the distribution, sale, and consumption of alcohol across the nation, lifting previous purchasing limits. Alcohol must be sold in sealed containers and is intended for home consumption only. This change does not affect those areas that are under a health cordon.” ***
· To date, Panama has had 27,314 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Los Santos province has recently been deemed coronavirus-free. ****
· There is no concrete plan for tourism to reopen in general. Private or small group travel will become the main manner in which to experience Panama
· All maritime activity related to recreation, tourism, or sport fishing is prohibited and remains suspended as of June 16, 2020 with no defined date for reopening. *****
For further news relating to the coronavirus updates, travel sector, tourism, and other topics that may affect your travel plans to Panama, subscribe to the Panama Insider blog. We scour local and international news sources to compile our news update in English. Updates will be posted intermittently depending on new information. To plan your next group trip to Panama, reach out to YC in Panama to ensure high quality service at every turn.