Panamanian casinos to reopen October 12

In accordance with a Health Ministry decree published in the Official Gazette, casinos have been allowed to reopen on Monday, October 12, in Panama.

The Decree also authorizes the resumption of other businesses such as cinemas, theaters, libraries, hotels, swimming pools, museums, and galleries, MENAFN reports.

Public swimming pools will be limited to 25% of capacity while cinemas, theaters, museums, and galleries will operate at 50%.

In an interview with Yogonet last month, Manuel Sánchez Ortega, head of the local gaming regulator, JCJ, had said that casino operators were prepared to reopen their establishments.

"They have invested more than a million dollars in making the necessary adaptations to provide a healthy and safe environment for customers are employees alike," Sánchez Ortega had told Yogonet.

According to the head of JCJ, casinos' safety protocols include the placement of physical barriers separating each machine and two meters of distance between them on casino floors. Moreover, guests will have their temperature checked upon entering the casinos and the use of face-coverings will be mandatory. There will also be enhanced cleaning and disinfestation of the machines each time a guest finishes playing, among other measures.

The Health Ministry decree also includes the sale of tickets of the National Charity Lottery, while respecting the sanitary measures against Covid-19.

Dance activities, discos, private parties, or shows will not be allowed and no date has been set for the opening of the country's beaches.