Following the announcement of  38 deaths from COVID- 19  on Friday, July 17, the highest daily figure since the virus struck Panama on March 9, bringing the accumulated total of deaths to 10,38  the Ministry of Health (Minsa)y  is studying the expansion of the lockdown.

In addition, 1,035 new positive cases were reported, for a cumulative total of 51,408with  1,284  hospitalized - 1,117 in wards and 167 in intensive care.

Health Minister, Luis Francisco Sucre, stressed that establishing a quarantine in Colón and Bocas del Toro, as well as in other provinces, is not ruled out, given the increase in positive cases registered in these places.

"This is not the time to visit, receive visits or have parties," said Sucre