The Tourism in San Blas Islands in the time of Covid-19 is an issue that causes uncertainty and sometimes fear but it has to adapt to the new reality, following the guidelines of the authorities such as social distancing, Cleaning, hygiene and sustainable tourism.

First of all, we have to show the chronology of events to be aware of the decisions that have been made to combat Covid-19.

On March 9, 2020, the Ministry of Health of Panama (MINSA) confirms the first case of Coronavirus in Panama, where they report a 40-year-old Panamanian woman from Barajas, Spain.
This immediately alerted the authorities of the Guna General Congress, taking pertinent measures to mitigate the transmission of the virus to the San Blas Islands

Some restrictions that were taken are following:
– March 11, 2020: tourist activities in the Guna yala region are suspended
– March 13, 2020: It was the deadline to transfer tourists from San Blas islands to Panama City.
– March 16, 2020: Transfers by land, air and maritime way were suspended to guna people.
– March 20, 2020: The entry of merchandise vessels from the Colón area was suspended.
– March 25, 2020, the first case of Coronavirus is registered in San Blas Islands from the Assudub community and initiates the lockdown between the communities. The authorities believe that the person moved from Panama City to San Blas islands on March 11, 2020.

To know the number of cases in real time in Panama and Guna Yala you can visit the following link

From this point, the Covid-19 virus lives among our brothers and they must to coexist with the new reality until exist a vaccine or effective treatment to consider the reopen of the tourism in San Blas Islands.

The following lines are a personal opinion, after read opinions of experts in the field of International Tourism, so it may be that our authorities decide to implement it or wait the Guna Yala Region will be free of Covid-19. There is no specific date for the return of tourism in San Blas Islands and each day passing, the scenario changes. The Government of Panama together with the Guna General Congress have to decide when the tourism in San Blas Islands should be activated again.

How would be the new reality in tourism in San Blas Islands?

Every day, the people ask me the same question and I consider that different measures should be taken and the population should be conscient.

1. Land Transfer
Transportation is one of the places where the risk of get sick is greatest, so the most extreme precaution must be taken. Cars must be sanitized daily, temperature control must be taken of all customers before boarding the vehicle, and initially give the service just for familyies or private groups.
Shared transfers should be limited to 4 people maximum and would enter a second stage.

2. Entrance to the Region
The National Border Service (SENAFRONT) must review the temperature of all those who will enter. In a first stage, the identity of the national visitor and residents must be verified against a database of positive patients with COVID-19 with an order to remain in quarantine. For a second stage, it should be applied to foreign tourists and if it were to implement the concept of a covid-19 free country, request the evidence.

3. Maritime Transfer
Like Land Transfer, boats must be sanitized daily, as well as lifejacket and snorkeling equipment. It will be possible to share the boat with other clients but with the exception to fill up to 60% of the capacity and maintaining a free row of seats among clients. The most recommended is to offer a private service.

Don’t miss: San Blas, a paradise to discover

4. Islands and Accommodations
For a first stage, only Day Tour or Pasadías should be allowed, applying social distancing, especially at lunchtime. Cleaning bathrooms frequently.
For a second stage, to allow stays in private cabins with bathroom.
For a last stage, to allow camping and use of bedrooms.

5. Payment Mode
One of the ways a virus spreads is through money. You have to request the payment by credit card or bank transfer. E-commerce has taken a very important role in this pandemic and it will be used more in the future.

Use on a mandatory basis
The use of masks and hand gel will be a MUST for clients and staff of the agency. Do not wear gloves unless specific tasks are performed.

Restrictions
The service should be restricted to people over 60 years old, they are the most vulnerable people. and forbid the culture route to the Guna communities.