Costa Rica adds 28 new coronavirus cases, 7 recoveries

Costa Rica confirmed 28 new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 1,084 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Monday afternoon.

The 28 new cases match the country’s largest day-over-day increase since early April.

Among them is a 5-day-old infant who was born prematurely and has been transported to intensive care at the Children’s Hospital in San José. The source of the baby’s contagion is under investigation, the Health Ministry said.

Seven more people have recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 676 total recoveries and 398 known active cases.

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

Health Minister Daniel Salas on Monday highlighted that Latin America has been identified as the new epicenter for the pandemic.

“Costa Rica has maintained in a favorable situation — of course, any death is a very lamentable situation — but we need for everyone to keep doing their part,” he said.

Costa Rica has processed a total of 26,974 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (352 more than Sunday), which corresponds to 5,277 tests per 1 million people. The country has averaged 415 daily tests over the last five days.

Costa Rica easing coronavirus measures

Costa Rica is allowing more activities to resume as of Monday, June 1. 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 and at 50% capacity.
• 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 Monday, June 1: 

The below chart was last updated June 1: 

Status of Costa Rica coronavirus cases on June 1, 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.
• June 1: Costa Rica continues easing coronavirus measures.

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.