No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaCosta Rica up to 177 known coronavirus cases; new driving restrictions begin...

Costa Rica up to 177 known coronavirus cases; new driving restrictions begin tonight

Costa Rica has confirmed 177 cases of the novel coronavirus, the Health Ministry announced Tuesday afternoon.

The figure marks a 19-person increase over the same time Monday. Six people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, while eight additional people suspected of having the coronavirus are hospitalized. Four people with confirmed cases are in intensive care.

The individuals in intensive care are aged 36, 38, 49 and 54, according to Román Macaya, president of Costa Rica’s Social Security System (CCSS, or Caja). Two of them have no known additional risk factors.

The 177 cases comprise 159 Costa Ricans and 18 foreigners across 33 cantons in all seven of the country’s provinces.

Costa Rica coronavirus cases
Tico Times graph.

Below is a map of cantons with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Click on a blue marker for more information:

Macaya said Costa Rica’s public health system will soon have at least 700 ventilators, many of which are being delivered to the Caja over the coming weeks.

Later this week, CCSS is expected to open a medical center specializing in COVID-19 at the National Rehabilitation Center (CENARE) in San José.

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

Costa Rica coronavirus cases by canton
Via the Health Ministry.

Nationwide vehicle restriction begins tonight

A nationwide vehicle restriction between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. begins tonight.

The majority of vehicles will not be permitted on Costa Rica’s roads between those nighttime hours starting Tuesday. Public Security Minister Michael Soto provided a long list of exceptions, which include:

  • Transport of cargo/merchandise
  • Public transportation, including buses and taxis
  • Vehicles that provide delivery (food, medications, etc.) to houses
  • People driving to/from work corresponding to those nighttime hours
  • Trash collection and construction vehicles
  • Official law enforcement and ambulance vehicles
  • When driving to a hospital or pharmacy for a health emergency

The full list of exceptions, published Tuesday afternoon by the Public Security Ministry (MSP), is below:

Driving restriction exceptions
Via MSP.

Drivers who do not abide by the restriction will be fined about $40.

This is a developing story and is being updated. 

Trending Now

Nicaragua Hosts Historic 2025 AmeriCup Basketball Tournament

The 2025 AmeriCup, the men’s basketball Copa América, tips off this Friday in Nicaragua, marking the most significant international sporting event in the country’s...

Earthquake Shakes Costa Rica’s Central Valley

An earthquake shook Costa Rica early Friday morning. The tremor occurred at 12:45 a.m. with a magnitude of 4.4. Its epicenter was located 1...

Panama Union Files Lawsuits Against Chiquita Over Mass Layoffs

Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, will meet in Brazil with U.S. banana company Chiquita Brands in search of an agreement for the company to...

Guatemala Prisons Erupt in Violence With Guards and Workers Taken Hostage

Gang members rioted this Friday in two prisons in Guatemala and took several guards and civilian employees hostage, a week after uprisings in which...

Major Cocaine Seizure in Costa Rica’s South Highlights Ongoing Cartel Fight

Costa Rican police pulled off a big win against drug traffickers this Sunday, seizing over a ton of cocaine hidden in a tourism minibus...

Costa Rica Issues Green Weather Alert as Heavy Rains Expected

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has declared a green weather alert across Costa Rica due to the expected increase in rainfall over the coming...
spot_img
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