Costa Rica begins May with more encouraging coronavirus data

Costa Rica confirmed six new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 725 known cases, the Health Ministry announced Friday afternoon.

Over the same period, 17 more people recovered from COVID-19, meaning Costa Rica has registered its fifteenth-straight day-over-day decrease in known active coronavirus cases.

Sixteen people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, and seven of them are in intensive care with an age range of 57 to 75 years old.

Six people have died after contracting COVID-19, and 355 people have recovered, leaving Costa Rica with 364 active cases.

Costa Rica has processed a total of 13,529 diagnostic tests for COVID-19 (289 more than Thursday), which corresponds to 2,647 tests per 1 million people.

The country can conduct up to 2,500 tests each day. Over the past five days, Costa Rica has processed an average of 172 tests per day.

Costa Rica tests everyone who qualifies as a suspected coronavirus case, according to Health Minister Daniel Salas. In addition, the country conducts 200 sentinel tests each week on samples collected across the country.

On Friday, Costa Rica began lifting some of its coronavirus restrictions. If the country continues avoiding a rapid rise in cases, it will further ease measures in mid-May.

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

Timeline of COVID-19 in Costa Rica

• March 6: Costa Rica confirms first COVID-19 case.
• March 9: Costa Rica suspends mass gatherings, tells employees to work from home.
• March 16: Costa Rica declares State of Emergency, restricts entry to non-citizens
• and non-residents. In-person teaching suspended.
• March 18: Costa Rica reports first COVID-19-related death.
• March 20: Costa Rica reports second COVID-19-related death. All national parks close.
• March 23: Beaches and religious centers ordered to close. Nighttime driving ban announced.
• March 31: Costa Rica inaugurates coronavirus-specific hospital at CENARE.
• April 4-12: Costa Rica imposes significant travel restrictions during Semana Santa.
• April 15: Costa Rica reports fourth COVID-19-related death.
• April 17: Costa Rica registers first day-over-day decrease in known active coronavirus cases. This trend continues for the next two weeks.
• April 19: Costa Rica reports fifth COVID-19-related death.
• April 20: Costa Rica reports sixth COVID-19-related death.
• May 1: Costa Rica begins easing coronavirus measures.

Costa Rica is enforcing nationwide driving restrictions through May 15. Click here for full details.

Most flights between the U.S. and Costa Rica have ceased, but United Airlines will resume limited commercial service in early May. Click here for more details.