Costa Rica lifting more measures in June; country adds 22 new coronavirus cases

Costa Rica confirmed 22 new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 1,022 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Friday afternoon.

Of the new cases, 14 people had already been issued precautionary isolation orders after contact tracing conducted by the Health Ministry.

Seven more people have recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 653 total recoveries and 359 known active cases.

Ten people have died after contracting the coronavirus. Thirteen people are hospitalized with COVID-19; two people are in intensive care.

Costa Rica has processed a total of 25,503 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (624 more than Thursday), which corresponds to 4,990 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 385 daily tests over the last five days.

Costa Rica easing coronavirus measures

Costa Rica will allow more activities to resume on June 1, the Health Ministry said Friday.

Below is a list of what can reopen:

• All hotels at 50% capacity.
• Restaurants, including on weekends, at 50% capacity.
• Museums at 50% capacity. (Prior ticket purchase is required.)
• Event halls with a maximum of 30 people or 50% capacity, whichever is smaller.
• Gyms and swim schools at 50% capacity (was previously 25%).
• Art academies without physical contact.

The current driving restrictions will continue until June 20.

Costa Rica's reopening plan as of May 29, 2020. (Via Casa Presidencial.)

Costa Rica is enforcing border restrictions, banning foreign visitors until June 30.

Active coronavirus cases in Costa Rica

Click a blue marker for more information. This map has been updated through Thursday, May 28:

The below chart was last updated May 28: 

Breakdown of coronavirus cases in Costa Rica as of May 28, 2020. Tico Times chart.

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 20. Click here for full details.

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