By. Margot Thomas

THE BLACK FRIDAY  virus, imported from The United States, infected  thousands of Panamanians on November 27,  as they lined up from before 4 am, to  get urgent treatment in the  form of picking up discounted items of clothing, footwear and, in the age of Twitter and MacFace , the latest mobile device to pass  triumphant selfies  of their buys to the stay at homes.

After weeks of media  bombardment, some bargain hunters had taken  advantage of “Black Week”  to help retailers unload their unsold stock, before moving to the shop-early-for Christmas campaigns.

Canada and the UK, are free of the Black Friday virus, preferring to wait for the Boxing Day (December 26) madness when the hardy early risers have to cope with colder weather.

In Panama some stores were open at 6:00 am and planned to serve the madding throng until midnight.

Authorities warned shoppers to be careful with their purchases, and not display them, or their wallets  publicly as Black Friday is bonus day for quick acting thieves and pickbockets.

12,814  extra police were on duty in shopping centers .

Cardoze Oscar Garcia, manager of the Consumer Protection Authority (Acodeco), said staff of the institution would be around to verify that the announced deals were available..

If  products with 90% discount were promoted  then these should be available, he said. For reports or complaints call 130 or Twitter account AcodecoResuelve.