Coronavirus in Costa Rica: 15 new cases, 5 more recoveries

Costa Rica confirmed 15 new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 897 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Wednesday afternoon.

Over the same period, five more people recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 582 total recoveries and 305 known active cases.

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

Costa Rica coronavirus cases on May 20, 2020. Tico Times chart.

Costa Rica has processed a total of 21,299 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (558 more than Tuesday), which corresponds to 4,167 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 380 daily tests over the last five days.

All arriving citizens are tested for the coronavirus and must complete a 14-day home isolation. Rodrigo Marín, director of the Health Surveillance, said all cruise ship employees who were recently repatriated to Costa Rica have tested negative.

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 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

The canton of Cañas has seen the biggest rise in cases over recent days. That continued Wednesday.

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.