No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaCantons under an Orange Alert in Costa Rica

Cantons under an Orange Alert in Costa Rica [August 12]

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has changed the coronavirus alert level for several cantons.

The header photo in this story shows every Costa Rican canton in an Orange Alert as of August 12, 2020. Click here for an interactive map of Costa Rica showing the alert level in all locations.

The most recent changes, effective Tuesday, placed Moravia (San José province), Vásquez de Coronado (San José) and Barva (Heredia) under a Yellow Alert. Belén (Heredia), Puriscal (San José) and Parrita (Puntarenas) are now under an Orange Alert.

The alerts are indefinite, though the CNE typically announces changes once per week.

Costa Rica remains in its Closed Phase

In order to better identify and control coronavirus outbreaks, Costa Rica entered a “Closed Phase” on Monday. This will last through Friday, August 21.

Here’s what’s open (and what isn’t) in Costa Rica during the Closed Phase.

For regions under a Yellow Alert

The Closed Phase does not impact driving or businesses in Yellow Alert areas.

During the entire month of August, most commercial businesses can operate normally (with capacity restrictions). Beaches are open daily from 5 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and all open-air tourism activities are permitted.

In addition, driving is permitted from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

  • Mondays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 cannot drive. Vehicles with license plates ending in all other numbers can transit freely.
  • Tuesdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 cannot drive. Vehicles with license plates ending in all other numbers can transit freely.
  • Wednesdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 cannot drive. Vehicles with license plates ending in all other numbers can transit freely.
  • Thursdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 cannot drive. Vehicles with license plates ending in all other numbers can transit freely.
  • Fridays: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0 cannot drive. Vehicles with license plates ending in all other numbers can transit freely.
  • Saturdays: Vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers cannot drive.
  • Sundays: Vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers cannot drive.

For regions under an Orange Alert

The Closed Phase most significantly affects driving in Orange Alert areas. Driving is permitted as follows from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends:

  • Mondays: Only vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 can drive.
  • Tuesdays: Only vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 can drive.
  • Wednesdays: Only vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 can drive.
  • Thursdays: Only vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 can drive.
  • Fridays: Only vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0 can drive.
  • Saturday, Aug. 15 (Mother’s Day): Vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers can drive.
  • Sunday, Aug. 16: Vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers can drive.

Rental cars, taxis and buses are among the exceptions to the restrictions. Workers can also drive to their jobs (with proper accreditation). A hotel reservation also counts as a valid exception.

While the driving restrictions are meant to limit mobility between Orange and Yellow Alert areas, the plate rules don’t apply on several major throughways.

Commercial businesses can remain open during the week. This includes all essential services (groceries, pharmacies, health centers, delivery, food pickup, financial institutions) plus:

  • Supermarkets can sell all products in their inventory. (Previously, they were restricted to selling only essential items during the Closed Phase.)
  • Restaurants, sodas, coffee shops and food courts can open. Businesses with a bar and restaurant license will only be allowed to operate the restaurant area.
  • Stores in general can open, as well as department stores.
  • Barber shops and beauty salons can open. Prior appointments are required.

Only essential businesses can remain open on the weekend. This includes supermarkets (selling essential items), pharmacies, hotels and farmer’s markets.

National parks and beaches (5-9:30 a.m.) remain open to the public.

Border restrictions unchanged

The Closed Phase does not impact Costa Rica’s ongoing border restrictions.

Currently, the country is welcoming tourists from select countries (Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom) who meet a series of entry requirements.

Trending Now

El Salvador Slams Paris Fashion Show Inspired by Cecot Mega-Prison Inmates

The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, joked on Saturday that he could send inmates from his mega-prison to France, after they were represented...

Costa Rica’s Pride March 2025 Defies Restrictions and Celebrates Diversity

A large crowd gathered in Paseo Colón, San José, to participate in the LGBTIQ+ Pride March 2025. It began at noon, as people marched...

Costa Rica Hunts for Nicaraguan Hit Squad After Exile’s Assassination

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) is investigating whether a hit squad tied to Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo regime is targeting exiled critics on its soil....

Costa Rica Pushes USA to the Brink but Falls in Penalty Heartbreak

If you just caught the end of the USA vs. Costa Rica Gold Cup quarterfinal, you probably feel like you need another cup of...

Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

Costa Rica is holding steady economically despite global tensions sparked by conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, according to Federico Quesada Chaves,...

Costa Rica Green Hotels Lead Global Sustainable Tourism

Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism grows stronger every year, with our green hotels setting a high bar for eco-conscious hospitality...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica