Panama – Update on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19

18 September, 2020

Update

The designated operator of Panama (Rep.), Correos de Panamá, asks us to inform other Union member countries and their designated operators that, owing to the new measures taken by the Government of Panama (through the Civil Aviation Authority) in Resolution 133 of Wednesday, 19 August 2020 as part of the public health measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19, the suspension of inbound and outbound international flights has been extended until mid-October 2020 and the airlines are not transporting international mail dispatches until further notice.

In this connection, Correos de Panamá wishes to inform that transit services will also continue to be suspended for all categories of mail item (letter post, small packets, parcels and EMS).

Correos de Panamá has liaised with the various mail handling companies and the airlines at the airport, in order to ascertain whether postal cargo destined for Panama is being stored at airport depots for handover to Correos de Panamá. Some of these companies have responded by handing over mail dispatches held in storage, which are being delivered by Correos de Panamá.

For the above reasons, Correos de Panamá is unable to guarantee inbound and outbound mail quality standards and is invoking a situation of force majeure with regard to quality of service and remuneration for all categories of mail item (letter post, small packets, parcels and EMS) as applicable and until further notice.

It should be noted that the postal network and domestic and international operational centres have continued to function without interruption, and that, since 21 July 2020, working hours and customer acceptance hours have been extended from Monday to Friday and minimum staffing levels have been maintained. Correos de Panamá’s administrative offices are working from Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 16.00, in accordance with the standards established by the Ministry of Health in response to COVID-19.

Correos de Panamá thanks all Union member countries and their designated operators for their understanding. It will update them on any relevant changes via EmIS.