Costa Rica adds eight known coronavirus cases, 16 recoveries

Costa Rica confirmed eight new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 773 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Friday afternoon.

Over the same period, 16 more people recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 461 total recoveries and 306 known active cases. The data mean Costa Rica has registered its 22nd-straight day-over-day decrease in known active coronavirus cases.

• Read: How has Costa Rica contained the coronavirus?

Six people have died after contracting the coronavirus, and 21 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 or complications. Six of them are in intensive care with an age range of 53 to 75 years old.

Below is a map of active cases by canton. Click on a blue marker for more information, including total cumulative cases and recoveries for that location.

Costa Rica has processed a total of 15,810 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (670 more than Thursday), which corresponds to 3,093 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 364 daily tests over the last five days.

The Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS, or Caja) will begin using convalescent plasma treatment on some coronavirus patients starting next week, Román Macaya said. Recently hospitalized patients in serious or critical condition may receive the treatment, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called “promising” but unproven.

This week, Costa Rica began testing all repatriated citizens and truck drivers entering the country, according to the Public Security Ministry. Starting Friday afternoon, truck drivers must wait at the border until their test returns negative before proceeding.

Costa Rica on Thursday extended its border restrictions, banning tourists until June 15.

If you believe you may have contracted the coronavirus or have questions regarding the virus, 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 resumed limited commercial service in early May. Click here for more details.