Frequent questions
about COVID-19
It is important that you inform yourself about the virus and its spread.

What is a coronavirus?

What is COVID-19?

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

How is COVID-19 spread?

Is it possible to get COVID-19 from contact with a person who does not have any symptoms?

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of the disease?

Is it possible to get COVID-19 from contact with a person who does not have any symptoms?

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of the disease?

Should I be concerned about COVID-19?

Who is at risk of developing a serious illness?

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?

Are there medications or therapies that prevent or cure COVID-19?

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

Can humans get the COVID-19 virus from contact with an animal?

How long does the virus survive on the surface?

Is there anything I shouldn’t do?

Myths and facts about COVID-19

It is important that you inform yourself about the virus and its spread.

The COVID-19 Virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates

The scientific evidence obtained so far indicates that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ANY AREAS, including hot and humid climates. Regardless of the weather conditions, take protective measures if you live in or travel to an area where COVID-19 cases have been reported. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently. In this way, the viruses that may be on the hands are eliminated and the infection that could occur when touching the eyes, mouth and nose is avoided.

Doesn’t bathing in hot water prevent COVID-19 infection?

Can you kill COVID-19 in 30 seconds with a hand dryer, like the ones in public toilets?

Can COVID-19 be killed with a UV disinfection lamp?

Can COVID-19 be killed by spraying the body with alcohol or chlorine?

Can Eating Garlic Help Prevent COVID-19 Infection?

Does the virus only affect the elderly or can it affect the very young as well?

Video description

Panama Canal Authority

VICE PRESIDENCY FOR TRANSIT BUSINESS

ADVISORY TO SHIPPING No. A-04-2020

January 29, 2020

TO: All Shipping Agents, Owners, and Operators
SUBJECT: 2019 new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is concerned with the recent outbreak of the 2019 new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which has generated an International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) Advisory.

The signs and symptoms associated with the infection with this virus include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and in more severe cases, it could lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

The average incubation period for the Coronavirus is approximately seven days, and infection from human-to-human may occur during the incubation period, before the infected person shows any signs of illness. Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Germany, Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, United States of America, France, and Australia.

It is imperative that vessels arriving at Panama Canal waters, for port calls or transit, after having called at ports located in any of these countries, or any other country with confirmed cases of the virus, and having identified any suspected case on board demonstrating any of the above-mentioned symptoms, report this condition through the Panama Maritime Single Window (VUMPA), within 30 days prior to their arrival. This is necessary in order to take appropriate measures to prevent the possible spread of this virus in the Republic of Panama.

Such measures include, but are not limited to, boarding the vessel by sanitary health authorities in order to investigate any cases; use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, by ACP personnel, or holding the vessel in quarantine as a precautionary measure.

ORIGINAL SIGNED

Ilya R. Espino de Marotta
Acting Vice President for Transit Business