Coronavirus in Costa Rica: Health Ministry announces 9 new cases, 16 recoveries

Costa Rica confirmed nine new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 801 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Monday afternoon.

Over the same period, 16 more people recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 517 total recoveries and 277 known active cases. The data mean Costa Rica has registered its 25th-straight day-over-day decrease in known active coronavirus cases.

Nine additional truck drivers were denied entry into Costa Rica after testing positive at the border, the Health Ministry said. The country requires that all merchandise carriers be tested and remain at the border until they receive the results.

• Read: How has Costa Rica contained the coronavirus?

Seven 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.

Costa Rica’s most recent coronavirus-related death occurred Sunday night.

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 17,299 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (129 more than Sunday), which corresponds to 3,385 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 432 daily tests over the last five days.

• Read: Health Ministry details testing strategy

Costa Rica has extended its border restrictions, banning foreign visitors until June 15. The government announced Monday a timeline for reopening the country; the plan includes opening beaches and national parks in limited capacity.

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 into mid-May.
• 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.
• May 10: Costa Rica reports seventh COVID-19-related death.

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.