Costa Rica records 10th coronavirus death; second death today

A 73-year-old man became the 10th person to die as a result of the coronavirus in Costa Rica, the Health Ministry announced Friday night.

It marked the day’s second COVID-19-related death. Earlier Friday, a 58-year-old woman died after more than three weeks of hospitalization.

The 73-year-old, a Costa Rican resident of San José, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on April 25. He had remained at Hospital México since that date. Hypertension and a heart condition made him susceptible to serious illness, the Health Ministry said.

Costa Rica has confirmed 843 cumulative cases of the novel coronavirus, the Health Ministry announced Friday afternoon. Of those, 542 people (64%) have recovered, 10 people have died (1%) and 291 cases (35%) remain active.

Sixteen people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in Costa Rica. The country’s health authorities said Friday that hypertension and smoking have been the biggest risk factors for patients infected by SARS-CoV-2.

If you believe you may have COVID-19 or have questions regarding the coronavirus, contact Costa Rican health authorities by dialing 1322.