Coronavirus in Costa Rica: 16 new cases, 2 more recoveries

Costa Rica confirmed 16 new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 882 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Tuesday afternoon.

Over the same period, two more people recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 577 total recoveries and 295 known active cases.

The 16 new cases mark the largest day-over-day increase since mid-April.

“The number of cases per week is rising,” said Health Minister Daniel Salas. “It’s logical that we won’t maintain a valley like we had in April, but the increase is worrying.”

Ten people have died after contracting the coronavirus, most recently on Friday. Eighteen people are hospitalized with COVID-19; five are in intensive care.

Costa Rica coronavirus cases on May 19, 2020. Tico Times chart.

Costa Rica has processed a total of 20,741 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (389 more than Monday), which corresponds to 4,058 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 417 daily tests over the last five days.

All arriving citizens are 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 has announced a timeline for reopening the country and began opening national parks and beaches Monday.

“If we don’t follow recommendations, it could lead us to return to stricter measures,” Salas said.

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

Active coronavirus cases in Costa Rica

New cases Tuesday were primarily registered in the cantons of San José (5) and Upala (3). Cañas has 13 active cases, most of which were identified in recent days.

Click a blue marker for more information. 

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.
• May 15: Costa Rica reports ninth and tenth COVID-19-related deaths.
• May 18: Costa Rica begins opening beaches and national parks.

Costa Rica is enforcing nationwide driving restrictions until June 1. Click here for full details.