Panama's Minsa Declares Blue Alert for Carnival

The head of the Health Emergencies Department, María Joannou, stated that during these carnivals, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) will keep 129 health facilities operational, including hospitals, polyclinics, Minsa-Capsi, health centers, and temporary posts. Therefore, while awaiting the validation of results, Minsa recommends that residents and visitors in these areas during the carnival festivities refrain from consuming tap water, or, if necessary, boil it before consumption. Until the results are obtained, Minsa cannot guarantee that the water from these plants is suitable for human consumption. Joannou indicated that Minsa will deploy 109 vehicles, including emergency vehicles and ambulances. The treated water from these plants can be used for personal hygiene and domestic chores, Joannou emphasized. She also informed the general population, especially residents and visitors of the districts of Chitré, Los Santos, Guararé, and Las Tablas, that they are awaiting validation from an external laboratory regarding tests conducted by the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) on the potabilization plants Roberto Reina in Chitré and Rufina Alfaro in Los Santos, as well as on the water networks of these districts. According to Minsa, during this period, all health sector institutions must implement the general guidelines established for health coverage in emergency situations. The Ministry of Health (Minsa) declared an automatic Blue Health Alert, which will be in effect from February 12 to April 6, 2026, as part of the preventive measures typical of the carnival and Holy Week season. Of these, 80 will operate 24 hours a day, 24 will have extended hours, and the rest will operate on their regular schedule. Additionally, over 2,000 officials, including medical and administrative staff, will participate in this blue alert.