No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaSix more people recover from COVID-19; new driving restrictions in place

Six more people recover from COVID-19; new driving restrictions in place

Costa Rica has confirmed 483 total cases of the novel coronavirus, the Health Ministry announced Tuesday afternoon.

The figure marks a 16-person increase over the same time Monday.

Twenty-five people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 — 14 of them in intensive care. The age range of patients in intensive care is from 35 to 85 years old.

Two elderly adults have died after contracting COVID-19, and 24 people have recovered — six more than Monday — meaning Costa Rica has 457 active cases.

The majority of Costa Rica’s known coronavirus cases are located in the provinces of San José and Alajuela. Click here to download a detailed map of confirmed cases throughout the country.

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

More Semana Santa driving restrictions

New driving restrictions meant to reduce unnecessary travel during Semana Santa are being enforced starting Wednesday.

Until Monday, April 13, a nationwide vehicle restriction will be enforced at all times. Vehicles will be allowed on the roads only for going to the supermarket or pharmacy:

  • Wednesday, April 8: Vehicles with license plates ending in 0 and 1 are allowed to drive to supermarkets and pharmacies. Most other vehicles are banned from public roads.
  • Thursday, April 9: Vehicles with license plates ending in 2 and 3 are allowed to drive to supermarkets and pharmacies. Most other vehicles are banned from public roads.
  • Friday, April 10: Vehicles with license plates ending in 4 and 5 are allowed to drive to supermarkets and pharmacies. Most other vehicles are banned from public roads.
  • Saturday, April 11: Vehicles with license plates ending in 6 and 7 are allowed to drive to supermarkets and pharmacies. Most other vehicles are banned from public roads.
  • Sunday, April 12: Vehicles with license plates ending in 8 and 9 are allowed to drive to supermarkets and pharmacies. Most other vehicles are banned from public roads.

All public transportation, except taxis and some essential bus routes, will be suspended through April 13.

There are other exceptions to the vehicle restriction; for instance, people in need of medical care can drive to a health center. Click here for a full list of exceptions.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Hosts Expotur 2026 as Tourism Arrivals Continue to Rise

Expotur, Costa Rica’s main tourism business fair, will return to San José from May 27 to 29, bringing international buyers and local tourism companies...

Keylor Navas Leads Pumas Into Liga MX Final Second Leg

Keylor Navas has Pumas UNAM one match from the Liga MX title after delivering the kind of performance Costa Rican fans have watched for...

Costa Rica Soccer Team Rocked by Off-Field Problems Before England Match

Costa Rica’s men’s national team is facing another setback at the start of Fernando “Bocha” Batista’s rebuild, after three players were removed from camp...

Argentine Sierra Becomes the Surprise Story of the French Open Women’s Draw

Argentina's Solana Sierra has become one of the most improbable stories of the 2026 French Open, reaching the third round at Roland-Garros as a...

Costa Rica Tornado Tears Roofs Off Homes in Grecia; Three Rescued, Red Cross Says

Residents of Grecia, in the province of Alajuela, captured video on Saturday afternoon of a tornado-like whirlwind tearing through their neighborhood, ripping roofs from...

El Salvador Lagoon Turns Turquoise, Drawing Crowds

One of El Salvador's most popular volcanic lakes has taken on a striking new look, and travelers are taking notice. The Laguna de Apastepeque,...

Costa Rica Court Keeps Papagayo Hotel Development Restrictions in Place

Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber has confirmed that the moratorium on tree-felling permits in the Gulf of Papagayo Tourism Pole remains fully in force, keeping...

Fonseca Rallies, Sierra Stuns as Latin America Roars at Roland-Garros

Brazilian teenager João Fonseca staged a stunning comeback from two sets down to reach the third round of Roland-Garros on Wednesday, setting up a...

Costa Rica Tourism Brand Cancels Uber Alliance After Backlash

Costa Rica’s nation brand, esencial Costa Rica, and export promoter Procomer reversed a tourism marketing alliance with Uber just one day after announcing it,...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador

Live prediction market odds via Kalshi. Updates every 60 seconds.
Kalshi is available to US residents 18+. The Tico Times may earn a commission from new signups.

Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel