Public hospitals to keep normal hours during Holy Week

Public hospitals belonging to the Social Security System, or Caja, will remain open during Semana Santa, or Holy Week, including Thursday and Friday.

This means that emergency services at all public hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica will be available to treat patients, Caja officials said on Tuesday.

Community health clinics, or EBAIS, also will keep normal schedules, as well as pharmacy and lab services, specialist consultations and maternity units.

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, runs March 24-31 and is Costa Rica’s most important Catholic celebration. It means vacation from work, and most government offices are closed, transportation services are reduced, and non-tourism-related commerce comes to a halt during Holy Thursday and Good Friday.