Costa Rica coronavirus updates for Tuesday, September 15

Costa Rica announced 12 new coronavirus-related deaths over the last day for a total of 633, according to official data released Tuesday afternoon by the Health Ministry.

Six-hundred and thirty-one people are hospitalized with COVID-19; 249 are in intensive care. Both figures represent new highs.

The Health Ministry on Tuesday announced 777 new cases for a cumulative total of 58,137. A total of 21,536 people have been cleared as recovered.

Costa Rica has 35,968 known active cases. The data indicate Costa Rica has 12.38 COVID-19-related deaths per 100,000 people. The country is averaging 13 deaths each day in September.

The deaths comprise 212 adults and 421 elderly adults; no children have died of COVID-19 in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has 359 intensive-care beds and 986 beds for less-complex coronavirus hospitalizations. This means 69% of Costa Rica’s ICU beds are currently occupied.

Costa Rica coronavirus cases on Sept. 15, 2020. Tico Times graph.

Changes to alert levels

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) announced the following changes to the alert levels:

• The cantons of Naranjo (Alajuela), Oreamuno (Cartago), Flores (Heredia), San Pablo (Heredia), Goicoechea (San José), and Mora (San José) move to a Yellow Alert.
• The cantons of Zarcero (Alajuela), San Isidro (Heredia), San Rafael (Heredia), Siquirres (Limón), and Aserrí (San José) move to an Orange Alert.

The changes to alert levels have a minimal impact on economic activity, as Costa Rica remains in an “Open Phase” until the end of September. To see a full list of cantons under Yellow/Orange alerts, click here.

Despite the increase in cases, most economic activity is allowed, and tourists from certain countries — including a growing list of U.S. states — can enter.

The below graphic will update automatically as the Health Ministry releases new coronavirus data.

If you believe you have COVID-19, contact Costa Rica’s hotline at 1322. English-speaking staff and mental health professionals are available.