Costa Rica: Authorities update provincial COVID-19 alert levels Jan. 26 /update 29

Event

On Jan. 26, authorities in Costa Rica released updated assessments concerning the local coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risk in the countries various provinces and cantons. According to the most recent data, the number of cantons classified as "high risk" rose in three provinces (San Jose, Alajuela, and Limon) as compared with figures from Jan. 11, with three provinces (Cartago, Heredia, and Guanacaste) seeing drops in the number of high-risk cantons, and one (Puntarenas) experiencing no quantitative change.

The Costa Rican government uses 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: low risk (green), moderate risk (yellow), high risk (orange), and extreme risk (red). As of Jan. 27, most cantons nationwide are categorized as moderate risk, with only the following areas classified as high risk:

San Jose Province: Perez Zeledon, Vazquez de Coronado, and Moravia
Alajuela Province: Grecia, Guatuso, Naranjo, Sarapiqui, Sarchi, Zarcero
Cartago Province: El Guarco
Puntarenas Province: Corredores, Coto Brus, Golfito, Osa, and Quepos
Limon Province: Guacimo, Limon, Pococi, and Siquirres

Motorists 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: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9
Sunday: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0

Nationwide, movement restrictions on private vehicles are in force 2200-0500 Monday through Friday, and 2100-0500 Saturdays and Sundays, through at least Jan. 31. Moreover, limitations on operating hours and capacities have been imposed on certain establishments and facilities, such as bars, casinos, national parks, and beaches.

Nonessential businesses can operate nationwide, though some establishments must comply with strict capacity limits. Businesses that obtain public health permits may generally operate outside 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.

Travel Restrictions
The nation's land and maritime borders will remain closed to nonresident foreign nationals until at least Feb. 1. This measure does not affect cargo transport. All travelers entering Costa Rica via maritime and land borders are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

All travelers, including nonresident foreign nationals, are allowed to enter Costa Rica by air regardless of their country of origin. Foreign travelers are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result prior to entering the country. However, they 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.

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.