Peru, Panama introduce gender-based virus measures

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, men and women in Panama and Peru are no longer allowed to leave their homes on the same day.

Both countries started the new regulation to avoid social contacts on Thursday.

In Peru, women can leave their homes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the remaining days being reserved for men.

A general curfew only applies on Sundays.

Restrictions do not apply to workers of essential activities, such as bank employees, pharmacies and food markets.

Panama has introduced similar regulations based on gender and the last digit of their national ID cards.

From Wednesday, men and women will only be able to leave their homes for two hours at a time, and on different days.

No one will be allowed to go out on Sundays.

While for most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.

So far, 1595 people in Peru have been proven to be infected with the new coronavirus, and 55 patients have died so far.

Meanwhile, Panama has reported 1475 infected and 37 deaths.