Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup! Here’s the latest.
9PM curfew and dry law initiated in Panama City and its province.
The Ministry of Health has proclaimed a curfew from 9pm to 5am for the province of Panama, where Panama City is located, in order to stem new rising cases of COVID-19 in the area.
Original story from TVN in Spanish. Please redact to English if needed via their site
Source: TVN
Canal budgets $350 million for maintenance.
To preserve the parts, equipment and structure of the Canal, the administration budgeted $350 million for maintenance work in 2021.
The control of erosion and landslides, maintenance of the riverbed, floating equipment, facilities, electrical system, dams and spillways, locks, water treatment plants, water system and Atlantic bridge, are part of the list of the maintenance program for 2021.
Source: MENA FN
How the Panama Canal traffic jam is affecting ocean shipping.
Since the Panama Canal debuted its larger Neopanamax locks in 2016, the three heaviest users have been container ships, liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers.
Now, transit demand for all three segments is simultaneously surging. On top of that, COVID issues are reportedly affecting canal operations.
The consequence over the past month and a half: transit delays.
Source: Freight Waves
Exploring Chiriqui’s “Secret” Beaches
If you’ve visited or relocated to Panama, chances are you know about the Chiriqui province. Chiriqui is one of the country’s most popular locations for retirees, relocated expats, and wealthy Panamanians who have a second home.
Most of these locations, however, are in and around Boquete. People are often drawn to the cool climate of Chiriqui’s mountains and high-altitude villages like Boquete and Volcan. But, did you know that Chiriqui is also home to some of Panama’s best beaches?
