On Monday, June 1,  the start of the second stage towards the new normal Panama’s  Ministry of Health (Minsa issued a resolution making the use of masks mandatory as part of the effort to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.

As  the second block of economic activities came into operation and  absolute quarantine  ended the movement of people on the streets surged

Although most commercial venues and public transport were already requiring the use of masks it was only a recommendation and there was no rule forcing people to wear them.

Non compliance will lead to sanctions, not yet determined.

Minsa, has reported  13,837 confirmed cases and 344 deaths.