2 Retire In Panama? NEWSLETTER
Volume 18 January 25, 2021
This weeks COVID...
...update is how I am helping to keep readers updated on how "under control" COVID-19 is in Panama. This is the update as of January 21st from Karyn Saunders.Thank you so much Karyn for continuing to keep ex-pats aware of the statistics:
Panama has 1975 new cases, 26 new deaths (1.6% death rate), 243 in ICU, 3763 newly recovered. 13197 new tests have been performed with a positive rate of 14.9%. For the first time in almost 2 months our positive rate is below 15%.
An article in PanaTimes last week announced that the vaccination process has begun in Panama with the vaccination of Gaona de Cocheran who is a 59 year old health care worker with 37 years of service.
The first 12,842 doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine against covid-19 arrived in Panama at dawn on Wednesday, January 20, at Tocumen International Airport aboard a DHL plane. The first phase of the vaccination will include health care workers, members of essential services, adults over 60 years old, and people over 16 with disabilities. Over 2500 people have already been vaccinated.
Michael Allen Long shared this graph in one of our FaceBook groups last week that shows where the virus is headed here in Panama. He pointed out that none of us are happy with the increased restrictions on movement, however the seven day average of cases here has been "falling off a cliff". We are now down 40% off our peak, and moving in the right direction. The November holiday season here caused a huge strain on the medical community, and with the recent trend down, they will start to recover if we remain diligent.
My special offer this week...
...is for the new year. A new year means new gear for many, and this offer has numerous items. There is something for nearly everyone looking to enhance their resolution or just have more fun. As you plan for a new year, you may be considering new gear and you deserve it. Amazon Launchpad has rounded up some top-rated fitness, sports, and outdoor gear that will help you get your sweat on in style. Click this link to check it out Amazon Launchpad.
Over the past few weeks...
...it has occured to me that the economy, tourism and agriculture of Panama cannot reboot without a clear plan to reopen the country. Flights are resuming and travel restrictions are loosening, but with the restrictions at beaches and national parks, many tourists and snowbirds will not return. The president of the National Chamber of Tourism of Panama, Ernesto Orillac, asked the Ministry of Health to help with this task by making clear, fluid, and open communication outlining what needs to occur for the reopening of these. With national and international tourism in high season, it appears that these restrictions may send the country reeling with the nearly complete loss of this valuable revenue.
I have had communication almost daily from readers and subscribers who are anxious to come to Panama for the first time or return to the country where they love to spend their winter. Many are also anxious to escape the crazy stuff going on in the United States and Canada. These people are not, however anxious to go to a place where they will have restrictions on movement and enjoyment of the things that draw them to Panama.
I am hopeful that Panama will resume some semblance of normal soon to open their arms in welcome to visitors and the future expats who will drive the economy forward.That being said, travel to Panama is not impossible and this may be one of the best times ever to enjoy all Panama has to offer. I am sure that the people here will be happy to see you.
This weeks fan photo...
...is my good friend Ray who hosted Jen and I at his condo in Orange Beach over New Years. Ray and his wife Diane are regular visitors to our home in Panama and it was a great pleasure to visit them at their second home in Alabma.
You can get a copy of my book by clicking the link here, or the link on the blog. It is exclusively available on Amazon or Kindle. Kindle Unlimited subscribers read it free.
Blessings from paradise,
Greg 