Costa Rica adds 34 coronavirus cases, 8 recoveries

Costa Rica confirmed 34 new cases of the coronavirus over the past day, totaling 1,228 cumulative known cases, the Health Ministry announced Friday afternoon.

Eight more people have recovered from COVID-19, leaving Costa Rica with 695 total recoveries and 523 known active cases.

It’s Costa Rica’s first day above 500 known active cases since April 21.

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

Testing numbers have not increased significantly

The recent increase in active coronavirus cases does not correspond with an increase in testing.

Since Costa Rica began reporting daily testing totals in mid-April, it has averaged 378 tests per day. The country has averaged 356 daily tests over the last five days.

Costa Rica has processed a total of 28,753 diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 (457 more than Thursday).

The Health Ministry conducts contact tracing, monitors high-risk regions and tests wastewater in some areas to help target testing.

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.
• June 3: Costa Rica records largest day-over-day increase in cases.

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.