Coronavirus in Costa Rica: 7 new cases, 7 more recoveries

Costa Rica confirmed seven new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 918 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Saturday afternoon.

Over the same period, seven more people recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 607 total recoveries and 301 known active cases.

Ten people have died after contracting the coronavirus. Fifteen people are hospitalized with COVID-19; four people, the youngest of whom is 27, are in intensive care.

Costa Rica has processed a total of 22,910 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (356 more than Friday), which corresponds to 4,482 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 434 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.

“Imported cases are one of the biggest risks we face as a country,” said Román Macaya, president of the Costa Rican Social Security System.

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

Health Minister Daniel Salas on Friday offered details about where Costa Rica’s coronavirus cases have originated:

• 30.4% related to an international trip.
• 24.5% at work.
• 20.3% via the patient’s family or social bubble.
• 13.3% in public meeting places (e.g. shopping centers).
• 3.5% other (e.g. detention centers).
• 8% remain under investigation.

Click a blue marker for more information. Data updated through May 23. 

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.