April 6, 2020
Images from this weekend in Panama City are streaming across multiple social media platforms. For the most part, Panamanians and locals did behave “well enough” and news sources from around the world were praising us on how well we are dealing with the pandemic.
It was simply amazing to see such empty streets where on even the slowest days you could come upon hundreds of people at any hour of the day shopping, arguing or just out for a stroll.
(Photograph taken by Telemetro reporter.)
However, the numbers will show that a minuscule 1,732 people decided they would go against the government’s decree and were “detained” by local authorities for breaking the quarantine order. Yep, allow me repeat that, ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-TWO individuals thought they could venture out whenever they wanted to for whatever reason they sought fit.
That’s not to mention the rooftop pool party by an elitist class of upstanding citizens. Ah yes, individuals of high repute and moral upbringing decided to recreate the pool party scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street”. The Patio Pinel Pool Party brought together some of the neighborhood’s finest as they played several of the audibly soothing sonatas by Mozart.
All sarcasm aside, a bunch of lawbreakers got together to drink, party and cool off on the roof of their building on the only day of the week where no one is allowed out of the house for any reason except for medical emergencies. You’ll also note in the photos below that they exceed the 10-person maximum allowed to gather as mandated by the government.
The police were quick on the scene of the Patio Pinel Pool Party and although they found the rooftop void of scoundrels, they did take it upon themselves to ensure the party did NOT go on and destroyed the pool and sound system.
Some heroes wear a badge AND carry a razorblade.
In the early morning of Monday, April 6, 2020, a group of inmates began an uprising at the Nueva Esperanza (New Hope) Jail in Colon after MINSA reported that two of their inmates had come up positive for COVID19. Concerned for their health and hoping for an early release (AKA escape), there were reports of gunfire from the inmates attacking the guards, but videos later showed them throwing rocks. Local law enforcement heroes Manuel Llorente and Tomas Ruiz were at the front lines and with the assistance of well-trained officers, were able to get the attempted riot under control just prior to 1:00 p.m. today.
STATUS UPDATE:
Panama has a total of 2,100 cases, of which 55 have died and 14 have recovered. Of the 2,031 currently infected, 1,777 are on home quarantine and 255 are hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 88 are in ICU. A total of 10,214 tests have been administered in Panama with 8,039 of those tests turning up negative. The majority of the infections detected are from those who are in the 20 to 50 age range with 1,640 cases. The majority of deaths, however, are of those over 60 years of age with 39 of the 55 deaths registered so far.
Stay safe… Stay healthy… And by all means STAY HOME!!…
Brett Mikkelson, CII, CPE
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. | M1 Consultants Inc
Mobile (+507) 6674-1183
brett@bminvestigations.com | www.bminvestigations.com
Proud Member of: Council of International Investigators (International), World Association of Detectives (International), Victory Services Club (London), Examinadors de Fraude Autorizados (Panama), Alianza de Seguridad Empresarial (Panama)
