The Ministry of Health (Minsa) announced on Tuesday, December 28, that it has detected 26 cases of Covid-19 with the Omicron variant in the country.

Of that number, 17 are new cases confirmed in the last hours. The average age of those infected ranges between 24 and 60 years, meanwhile, 46 other suspected cases of the variant - are under genomic analysis by the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies.

The cases are in the health regions of Panama Metro, Panama Oeste and San Miguelito. They reside in the townships of Parque Lefevre, Pedregal, Betania, Pueblo Nuevo, Río Abajo, Bella Vista, and San Francisco, in Panama Metro. Those from San Miguelito live in Amelia Denis de Icaza and Victoriano Lorenzo, while those from Panama Oeste live in Punta Chame, Arraiján and Vista Alegre.

The Ministry of Health pointed out that none of the detected cases have required hospitalization and they are kept in isolation.

Given the appearance of new cases, the health authorities reiterated the call to the population to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in the more than 100 locations enabled in the country. In these points, the first, second dose, and the booster dose are placed in people, from 16 years of age.

The Minsa asked people to maintain the correct use of the mask, physical distancing, and constant hand washing as well as the face shield in public transport.

Health Minister Luis Francisco Sucre recalled that the premises that have organized activities on the occasion of the end of the year must comply with  the decree that establishes the rules for 100% and 50% of the capacity of the premises.

In both capacities, biosecurity measures are strictly observed, while in the 100% capacity, only people with a complete vaccination scheme against Covid-19 (two doses) can enter.