Costa Rica: Authorities tighten restrictions in Guanacaste Province as of Dec. 16 due to COVID-19 activity /update 25

Event

As of Dec. 16, authorities in Costa Rica have tightened restrictions in parts of Guanacaste Province as part of the country's response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; the Canas, Carrillo, Liberia, and Nicoya cantons of Guanacaste are now classified as orange, or high-risk, zones.

The government is using a multi-tiered, color-coded alert system based on local disease activity to track COVID-19 risk and manage restrictions in cantons and districts nationwide. The system consists of four levels: green (low risk), yellow (moderate risk), orange (high risk), and red (extreme risk). At present, all cantons in Costa Rica fall under either the yellow or orange classification.

Residents of cantons classified as orange and yellow zones may use private vehicles between the hours of 0500-2200 Monday-Friday and 0500-2100 Saturday-Sunday. Additionally, individuals driving in orange zones are prohibited from driving on certain days of the week, depending on the last digit of the vehicle's license plate number, as indicated below:

Monday: 1 and 2
Tuesday: 3 and 4
Wednesday: 5 and 6
Thursday: 7 and 8
Friday: 9 and 0
Saturday and Sunday: No restrictions

The following cantons are orange zones as of Dec. 16:

San Jose Province: Alajuelita, Mora
Alajuela Province : Parts of Alajuela, Orotina, Sarapiqui, Palmares, Poas, San Carlos, and Zarcero
Heredia Province : Flores, Sarapiqui
Puntarenas Province : Montes de Oro, Esparza, Garabito, and parts of Puntarenas
Limon Province : Limón, Siquirres
Guanacaste Province : Canas, Carrillo, Liberia, Nicoya

Officials classify the rest of the country as yellow zones. Nonessential businesses can operate nationwide, though some businesses may only operate under strict capacity limits. Restaurants, gyms, bars, retail stores, and casinos located inside hotels can operate at 50-percent capacity. Places of worship can conduct services with a maximum of 125 people. Businesses that obtain health sanitary permits from the government may operate Monday through Friday 0500-2200 and between the hours of 0500-2100 on Saturdays and Sundays. Lodging businesses can operate without capacity limits.

Foreign travelers are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test prior to entering the country. All travelers must still complete the required health affidavit and have sufficient insurance to cover lodging and health expenses. All nonresident foreign nationals, regardless of their origin country, are allowed to enter Costa Rica.

Facemasks are required at all times while traveling. Ground and maritime borders remain closed for nonresident foreign nationals until further notice. This measure does not affect cargo transport. Nationwide, all persons must wear protective facemasks that cover the nose and mouth while in indoor public areas or using public transportation.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.