Costa Rica confirmed 15 new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 830 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Thursday afternoon.
Over the same period, eight more people recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 535 total recoveries and 287 known active cases.
The 15 new cases are the largest day-over-day increase since April 16. Four correspond with Costa Ricans who arrived this week on a repatriation flight from Spain; nine correspond to a migrant detention center in San Francisco de Heredia
Eight people have died after contracting the coronavirus, most recently on Wednesday. Seventeen people are hospitalized with COVID-19; four are intensive care.
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 18,388 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (348 more than Wednesday), which corresponds to 3,598 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 244 daily tests over the last five days.
Twenty-three truck drivers have been denied entry into Costa Rica — four more than Wednesday — 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 their results.
All arriving citizens are also tested for the coronavirus and must complete a 14-day home isolation.
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 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.
- May 13: Costa Rica reports eighth COVID-19-related death.
Costa Rica is enforcing nationwide driving restrictions until June 1. Click here for full details.
