The coronavirus  is coming to Panama  and “has to be taken seriously."  Said President Laurentino Cortizo on Saturday, February 29 during a tour in  Coclé.

Cortizo said that like any outbreak, Panama has its team working, while reiterating that they are prepared to take a case of the new coronavirus (Covid-19).

He asked the population not to be alarmed. "Eventually it will arrive,, but we are prepared."

He asked people to follow the recommendations of the Panamanian Health authorities, about hygiene measures such as constant hand washing, among others.

In Panama, no cases have been reported but as there are already cases in Brazil, Mexico, and Ecuador, Panamanian authorities have increased measures at ports of entry and airports.