06 Aug 2019 | 08:25 AM UTC
Costa Rica: Ongoing nationwide strike by health professionals August 5-7
Health professionals call 48-hour nationwide strike August 5-7; service disruptions to be expected
Event
Healthcare professionals in Costa Rica have begun a nationwide 48-hour strike as of Monday, August 5, and will continue through to the early hours of the morning (local time) on Wednesday, August 7. The healthcare sector demands improved conditions for health services and to protest the government's aim to privatize health services.
Staff stated a minimum of key services, including emergency room, pharmaceutical, and laboratory services will be guaranteed during the strike.
Disruptions to healthcare services should be expected throughout the strike period. Protests are possible around health centers, hospitals, and government offices. Associated transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence should be expected in the vicinity of any protest.
Advice
Individuals in Costa Rica, and particularly in San José, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate localized transportation and business disruptions, long wait times for healthcare services, and a heightened security presence near possible protest sites.
