No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaCosta Rica announces stringent measures as coronavirus count reaches 158

Costa Rica announces stringent measures as coronavirus count reaches 158

Costa Rica has confirmed 158 cases of the novel coronavirus, the Health Ministry announced Monday afternoon.

The figure marks a 24-person increase over the same time Sunday. Seven people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, and three are in intensive care.

At the same time, President Carlos Alvarado announced the following four measures in order to help slow the spread of coronavirus throughout Costa Rica.

  • All beaches throughout Costa Rica have been ordered to close to the public. Previously, some municipalities had chosen to close their beaches, but this was not a country-wide measure until Monday.
  • Religious centers throughout the country have been obligated to close.
  • Starting Tuesday, there will be a nationwide vehicle restriction preventing the majority of people from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. More details, including a full list of exceptions, will be announced Tuesday. Exceptions to the nighttime driving ban will include emergencies and transport of cargo, among others.
  • Starting Tuesday, “all foreigners residing [in Costa Rica] or with regular migratory status in the country who leave the national territory will automatically lose their immigration status.” This applies to foreign residents (temporary or permanent) of all nationalities and has no specified end date.

“People who have a [migratory] status in this country — whether it be resident, refugee, asylum seeker or another special case — if they leave the country, will have that condition eliminated,” said Michael Soto, Minister of Public Security. “What we intend is to prevent people from leaving the country. It’s not convenient for the country, and it’s not convenient for those people, but we want to leave it very clear: A person with a migratory status, even if he or she is an applicant, will not be able to return to the country because that condition will have been removed.

“A call to foreigners [in Costa Rica] who leave the country during Semana Santa to other countries in the region: The idea is that you don’t do this, and if do, you won’t be able to return [to Costa Rica] due to this health situation.”

Costa Rica coronavirus cases
Tico Times graph.

Below is a list of confirmed coronavirus cases by canton:

Costa Rica coronavirus cases by canton
Via the Health Ministry.

The Public Security Ministry on Monday activated a website through which the public can report businesses that are not complying with the Health Ministry’s guidelines in response to COVID-19.

The government reinforced that everyone — particularly elderly adults — remain home and limit contact with others as much as possible. Two people, both 87-year-old Costa Ricans, have died after contracting COVID-19.

“There will be more grave cases, and there will be more deaths,” said Health Minister Daniel Salas. “What we’re reinforcing is that if we all act responsibly, we will have the chance to prolong the lives of those who get gravely sick at a hospital.”

In addition, authorities asked that Costa Ricans limit non-essential water use in order to minimize shortages.

Salas said the Health Ministry is working with the the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS, or Caja), the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and other public universities to expand Costa Rica’s COVID-19 testing capacity.

If you believe you may have contracted COVID-19 or have questions regarding the coronavirus, you can contact Costa Rican health authorities by dialing 1322.

This is a developing story and is being updated. 

Trending Now

Exiled Nicaraguan Journalists in Costa Rica Face Growing Harassment

Nicaragua has increased its “harassment and retaliation” against exiled journalists and their families who remain in the country, according to a report published Thursday...

Costa Rica’s First IHOP-Applebee’s Opens in Plaza Tempo

IHOP and Applebee’s are bringing their breakfast and casual dining menus together in a new dual-branded restaurant at Plaza Tempo in Escazú. The chains,...

Canadian Tourist Killed in Costa Rica During A Robbery Attempt

A 40-year-old Canadian man lost his life in a violent robbery at a rental home in the Los Jobos area of Tamarindo, Guanacaste, on...

Former Costa Rican Minister Indicted in US on Drug Trafficking Charges

Celso Manuel Gamboa Sánchez, once a top Costa Rican security minister and judge, now sits in a maximum-security prison cell awaiting possible extradition to...

Women’s Copa América Showcases Talent and Pushes for Equality

The Women’s Copa América, Latin America’s most important women’s football tournament, is a showcase of talent and a tool to help close the gender...

Vigilante Justice in Quake-Hit Guatemala Town Claims Five Lives

In a Guatemalan town reeling from recent earthquakes, residents took matters into their own hands on Thursday night, lynching five men they accused of...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica