Coronavirus in Costa Rica: Health Ministry announces 13 new cases, 7 more recoveries

Costa Rica confirmed 13 new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 843 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Friday afternoon.

Over the same period, seven more people recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 542 total recoveries and 293 known active cases.

Eight people have died after contracting the coronavirus, most recently on Wednesday. Eighteen people are hospitalized with COVID-19; five 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 18,655 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (267 more than Thursday), which corresponds to 3,650 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 271 daily tests over the last five days.

Thirty-one truck drivers have been denied entry into Costa Rica — eight more than Thursday — after testing positive at the border, the Health Ministry said. (They are not included in Costa Rica’s tally of active or recovered cases.) 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.