Happy Friday, QFamily Partners!
For many of our stateside friends and family, the summer is more than halfway over, while here in Panama, we are into our “rainy season.” We have been keeping up with the status of vaccinations and new cases in the US, and we continue to hope for the best.
As the US returns to protective actions in some areas, Panama has done the same, in some regions, from quarantines to curfews. The entire country has a 10:00 pm curfew, and some provinces and cities maintain Sunday lockdowns. Because Panama relies on the delivery of the vaccine from other countries and primarily through the World Health Organization COVAX program, we are still low in vaccinations compared to more developed countries. We have improved a great deal over the past month, with 39% of the country receiving at least one dose. To date, a total of 2,408,895 doses have been administered, with 16% of the population fully vaccinated (having received two doses.)
Up to now, Panama has restricted vaccinations to certain ages and specific areas. Starting Monday, everyone 12 years of age and older will be allowed to receive the vaccine, as long as there is availability. Panama hopes to have more than 70% of the population vaccinated by years’ end.
According to last night’s report by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), Panama’s numbers have risen to 433,545 with 6,798 deaths. Panama vaccination numbers are continually increasing. The country has to the Pfizer and AstraZenica with 70% of the population with at least one shot (Pfizer and AstraZenica
The Biggest Family in Panama continues to grow, and last Friday, we welcomed 38 new people to the QFamily. This week, 40 new trainees started their medical billing journey, which puts us at 78 current trainees!
It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through 2021! As we look at where we have come over the past year and a half, I thought I would include a blast from the past (2020, not too far back!) for this message’s video. Our leadership team is always ready to put a smile on your face, and they dedicated this video to the medical workers and first responders. We are still grateful today for the work that they are doing! Click here to view!
Our executive team has grown since my last monthly communication. Paulo Santos has joined ONQ as our Vice President of Sales and Marketing. With over 25 years of healthcare sales experience, Paulo brings a wealth of knowledge to the QFamily. We are excited to have him on board!
The Contact Center World Regional Awards for the Americas is around the corner. I am proud to announce that ONQ is a finalist for Best Customer Service and Best Crisis Management. I am equally proud of two of my finalists for Best Support Staff Human Resources, Director of Human Resources Caitlin Morvidelli, and Best Trainer, Director of Training Lucas Fuentes. Both of them are very deserving of this recognition.
Again, and as always, we hope for you and your loved ones’ safety and well-being. Stay safe out there!
