2 Retire In Panama? NEWSLETTER 
March 8, 2021 Volume 24
This week's 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 March 4th from Karyn Saunders. Thank you so much Karyn for continuing to keep ex-pats aware of the statistics:
Panama has 540 new cases, +11 new deaths, 151 in ICU, 968 hospitalized, 764 newly recovered, and 7,677 active cases.
1) 6.3% positive rate on 8,505 tests.
2) Phase 2-A of vaccinations began last Thursday. 8,250 people over 60 in the hard hit area of San Miguelito were vaccinated. The goal was to vaccinate 57,340 people in that district. To date 150,411 vaccinations have been administered in Panama.
3) All retail has reopened in Panama and Panama Oeste which includes beauty salons and barber shops, restaurants, car washes and other cultural and creative businesses. Restaurants must close by 9pm and alcohol may only be served with a meal. PanaTimes reports that movie theaters, casinos, and sports fields for recreational use, may open with a capacity of 50% of their capacity, including their employees, in order to avoid crowds in Panama and Panama Oeste. Starting this past Saturday, Bars, Discoteques, and Canteens are being allowed to sell their products exclusively by home delivery.
4) Gender specific shopping has been discontinued. This means that we can once again shop with our spouses.
5) The total weekend lockdowns have now ended, however, total nightly curfews (10pm-4am) remain in effect.
Jen and I are on the list to be vaccinated. When our number comes up we will be contacted and informed where to report for the vaccination.
Church services at Coronado Bible Church...
...continue on Wednesday with 2 services. One service at 10:30am and the other at 4pm. Protocols required by MINSA are being followed with strict adherence to number of people in attendance, social distancing, and wearing of masks. For this reason, people are asked to register in advance to attend. Click here to register for services. The worship is recorded and rebroadcast on Sunday morning via Facebook and You Tube. With the full lockdown weekends having just ended Pastor Jon and the elders will be making a decision soon with regard to returning to regular Sunday worship. Jon announced on Wednesday that the goal is to open for Sunday services on Palm Sunday, so that we can celebrate the Easter season with our church family. This is contingent on weekends remaining open.
My special offer this week...
...With April 15th fast approaching we thought it appropriate to flip a great offer out there for our American friends. Click here for a great offer on H&R Block Tax Software Delux + State 2020 with Refund Bonus (Amazon Exclusive) (Physical Code by Mail). This offer saves you 11%!
This past week...
...we had workers paint the balcony railings at our condo. I have stated before, and continue to believe, that we are fortunate to have chosen our forever home in one of the most beautiful and well maintained condos in the beach community. The balcony railings are maintained by the association, and were painted at our request as part of our association fees. The result is amazing. That is one project that I would not have enjoyed. The two guys painted the railings on all four balconies in two days. It would have taken me much longer.
This week's fan photo...
...is the neighbor of Jen's brother Jon, from Minnesota. Janis bought the book after her discussion with Jon last Fall. She was kind enough to share her fan photo and is quoted as saying "I enjoyed it very much. The author (and spouse) certainly are the adventurous types." Thank you Janis for your kind words and for reading "2 Retire In Panama?"
I am running out of original fan photos, so if you are willing, and can share a fan photo with me it would be greatly appreciated. It will appear in an upcoming newsletter.
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
