Costa Rica confirmed 11 new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 815 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Wednesday afternoon.
Over the same period, seven more people recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 527 total recoveries and 281 known active cases. The data mean Costa Rica announced an increase in known active cases for the first time since April 16.
Seven people have died after contracting the coronavirus, and 20 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 18,040 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (570 more than Sunday), which corresponds to 3,530 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 305 daily tests over the last five days.
The Costa Rican Water and Sewer Institute (AyA) says it can now identify traces of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, which will allow authorities to better identify coronavirus outbreaks.
Nineteen truck drivers have been denied entry into Costa Rica — five more than Tuesday — 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 receiving the results.
All arriving citizens are also tested for the coronavirus and must complete a 14-day quarantine.
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.
Wednesday, the Health Ministry clarified that national parks will not open until May 18, two days after the May 16 date they had previously announced.
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 until May 12.
- 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 until June 1. 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.
