Costa Rica: Authorities update coronavirus disease-related restrictions in five provinces, Jan. 6 /update 27

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Costa Rica have eased restrictions in the parts of the San Jose, and Guanacaste provinces, and have tightened restrictions in parts of the Heredia, Cartago, and Puntateras provinces. Cantons with tightened restrictions are now classified as yellow zones, and those with tightened restrictions are orange zones.

These measures coincide with the government's existing 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). As of early January, most cantons fall under the yellow classification, while only some remain at the orange level.

The following cantons are orange zones as of Jan. 6:

San Jose Province: Perez Zeledon
Alajuela Province: Sarapiqui and Zarcero
Heredia Province: Belen, and Flores
Cartago Province: El Guarco, Oreamuno
Puntarenas Province: Esparza, Corredores, Golfito, Montes de Oro, and Osa
Limon Province: Limon, Pococi, and Siquirres
Guanacaste Province: Liberia

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 until Jan. 9

The following additional restrictions continue to be uniformly applied to all areas nationwide:

Jan. 6-31: Vehicular restrictions on private vehicles will be applied 2200-0500 Monday to Friday, and 2100-0500 Saturdays and Sundays. Effective Jan. 9, additional measures will be applied on weekends; only license plates ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0 may circulate on Saturdays, and only license plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 may circulate on Sundays.

Officials maintain tightened restrictions on entertainment establishments and recreational facilities Jan. 6-17. Bars and casinos are only allowed to operate at 25-percent capacity; national parks are only be allowed to operate 50-percent capacity, and beaches will only be opened 0500-1430 daily.

Nonessential businesses can operate nationwide, though some businesses may only operate under strict capacity limits. Excluding the period Jan. 6-17, restaurants, gyms, bars, retail stores, and casinos located inside hotels can generally operate at 50-percent capacity. Places of worship can conduct services with a maximum of 125 people. Businesses that obtain health sanitary permits may generally operate outside the relevant movement restriction times. Lodging businesses can operate without capacity limits. All individuals must wear protective facemasks that cover the nose and mouth while in indoor public areas or using public transportation.

International Travel
All travelers, including nonresident foreign nationals, regardless of their origin country, are allowed to enter Costa Rica by air. Ground and maritime borders remain closed for nonresident foreign nationals until further notice. This measure does not affect cargo transport. Foreign travelers are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test prior to entering the country. However, all travelers must still complete the required health affidavit (Health Pass) and have sufficient insurance to cover lodging and health expenses.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. The classification of cantons under the color-coded alert system is subject to change at short notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

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.