What's the government response timeline for Costa Rica?

Updated from flag: Protocol for testing and contact tracing web.archive.org/web/20200521041353/ https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/sobre_ministerio/prensa/docs/lineamientos_coronavirus_2020.pdf

https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/sobre_ministerio/prensa/docs/versión_2_lineamientos_nacionales_vigilancia_infeccion_coronavirus.pdf

travelers from China, South Korea, Iran and Italy showing symptoms will be tested https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1547-costa-rica-ya-cuenta-con-la-prueba-de-laboratorio-para-detectar-la-enfermedad-covid-19

Since February 3rd, Ministry of health has been communicating on response and prevention measures - https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1532-lineamientos-nacionales-para-la-vigilancia-de-la-infeccion-por-coronavirus-2019-ncov; Daily briefings were active as of 24 April: https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1532-lineamientos-nacionales-para-la-vigilancia-de-la-infeccion-por-coronavirus-2019-ncov

The case definition now includes as a requirement having been in the last 14 days in countries with indigenous cases of COVID-19 according to the official list of the Ministry of Health, which today includes China, South Korea, Iran and Italy, in addition to presenting fever greater than or equal to 38 degrees, cough or sore throat and respiratory distress. https://forbescentroamerica.com/2020/03/06/costa-rica-cuenta-con-prueba-de-laboratorio-para-detectar-coronavirus/

To date there are no limitions that define the number of people per gathering (just mass gatherings and events are cancelled): https://www.voanoticias.com/a/costa-rica-coronavirus-cancel-eventos-/5322312.html US embassy has nothing about restrictions on gathering at this point: https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

To date there have not been any stay at home orders https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

mass events and football games cancelled: https://www.voanoticias.com/a/costa-rica-coronavirus-cancel-eventos-/5322312.html

Must comply with both conditions: 1. Person with acute symptoms who has no other disease which could explain the symptoms and who has been to affected countries in the past 14 days 2. Person with acute symptoms who has no other diseas which could explain symptoms 3. Person with symptoms who had contact to a positively tested person https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/sobre_ministerio/prensa/docs/version_7_lineamientos_nacionales_vigilancia_infeccion_coronavirus_11032020.pdf

Universities close https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-costa-rica/costa-rica-orders-universities-closed-on-coronavirus-concerns-idUSKBN20Z3MU

"Otra de las medidas anunciadas es la reducción en un 50% de la capacidad aprobada (aforo) de los sitios de reunión pública". = spaces for public gatherings operate at 50% of capacity https://delfino.cr/2020/03/costa-rica-entra-en-segunda-etapa-de-alerta-contra-el-covid-19-23-casos-confirmados

Health Ministery declares that discos, cassinos and bars must be shut https://www.elmundo.cr/costa-rica/ministerio-de-salud-an

317 schools closed by the government: https://news.co.cr/costa-rica-registers-26-patients-with-coronavirus-and-confirms-closure-of-317-schools/81201/

"Suspend classes, both public and private schools and INA training centers, from March 17 to April 4, inclusive. Given that Semana Santa (April 5 to 12) the educations centers would be normally closed, schools will re-open on April 13.": https://qcostarica.com/costa-rica-declares-national-emergency-bans-arrival-of-foreigners-and-closed-schools/

all intra-provincial transport (coaches) and domestic flights are suspended, continues throughout April. (Long list of restrictions and exceptions: https://www.obraspublicas.gob.ec/con-acuerdo-ministerial-se-precisa-la-aplicacion-de-las-restricciones-para-el-transporte/

From 11:59 pm Wednesday, March 18 to 11:59 pm Sunday, April 12, 2020, only Costa Ricans and residents may enter the country. The restriction applies to all entries by sea, air, and land. https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/03/gobierno-declara-estado-de-emergencia-nacional-impide-llegada-de-extranjeros-y-se-suspende-lecciones-en-todos-los-centros-educativos-del-pais/; measures re-affirmed on April 13 - only cargo may enter country: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/04/nuevas-medidas-de-restriccion-aplicaran-del-13-al-30-de-abril/

Presidential directive asks to restore water services that have been suspended due to late payment and to reschedule payments if necessary for two months. /web/20200501232649/ https://www.elmundo.cr/costa-rica/lista-directriz-que-evita-cortes-de-agua-a-morosos-y-reestablece-suspensiones-por-falta-de-pago/

7 cities closed down public transportation https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/siete-ciudades-ecuador-transporte-publico.html

public transport is excluded from national driving restrictions: https://qcostarica.com/starting-tonight-driving-is-restricted-countrywide-learn-the-rules/

"Starting Tuesday, March 24, Costa Rica is imposing restrictions on most driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m." https://ticotimes.net/2020/03/17/frequently-asked-questions-costa-rica-travel-and-the-coronavirus-pandemic Exceptions: Transport of cargo/merchandise Public transportation, including buses and taxis Vehicles that provide delivery (food, medications, etc.) to houses People driving to/from work corresponding to those nighttime hours Trash collection and construction vehicles Official law enforcement and ambulance vehicles When driving to a hospital or pharmacy for a health emergency https://ticotimes.net/2020/03/24/costa-rica-up-to-177-known-coronavirus-cases-new-driving-restrictions-begin-tonight

religious gatherings and beaches closed as well https://www.voanoticias.com/a/costa-rica-cierra-playas-y-templos-religiosos-por-covid-19/5342775.html

As on 25 March, additional relief measures were seemingly in place. "Public and private banks will apply the presidential directive that urges them to lower interest rates, extend credit terms and extend payments. Three-month moratorium on the payment of value added tax (VAT), income and merchandise import taxes. The services suspended due to late payment must be restored, those that are about to expire payment, do not suspend it, and generate payment agreement mechanisms for a period of two months. Companies that have a decrease in their profits from 20% can reduce the part-time hours, those in which the losses are more than 60% can request a reduction in the working day up to a quarter of the time." https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2020/03/25/que-estan-ofreciendo-los-paises-de-america-latina-para-aliviar-la-crisis-economica-por-la-pandemia-de-coronavirus/

Public transport is excluded from the vehicular restriction, implying that it's still running. "Public transport vehicles in the form of a taxi, buses, minivans to transport workers, transportation to and from airports, as well as a cargo taxi, all authorized by the Consejo de Transporte Publica (CT) – Public Transport Council." https://qcostarica.com/starting-tonight-driving-is-restricted-countrywide-learn-the-rules/

More restrictions for Easter, with the statement from President Alvarado: “Stay at home. Protect yourself. Follow protocols, and protect our country. Together, we can move forward from this.” On 2 April, Ministry of Health also released a statement asking people to stay at home during Easter. https://ticotimes.net/2020/04/01/costa-rica-enacting-strict-measures-during-semana-santa-country-adds-28-new-coronavirus-cases

School closures maintained in line with state of emergency ( until April 30), and distance learning measures are being applied to prevent interruptions: https://www.mep.go.cr/noticias/mep-inicia-acciones-educacion-distancia-despues-semana-santa-apoyo-estudiantes-familias

"Authorities in Costa Rica will tighten their nationwide ban on vehicular transit April 3-12. The additional measures during this period are part of the government's efforts to stem the curb of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), particularly during the Easter holy week (Semana Santa), when domestic movements tend to increase. " https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-costa-rica-increases-movement-restrictions-april-3-12

During Semana Santa, all public transportation is suspended: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/04/en-el-marco-de-la-semana-santa-gobierno-refuerza-medidas-para-contener-el-contagio-por-el-covid-19/ (link not archivable); https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2020/04/01/costa-rica-restringe-movilidad-por-coronavirus-durante-semana-santa/

Bono Proteger, a three-month temporary financial aid that will be provided to people affected by the COVID-19 health emergency. The amount of the Protect Bonus will depend on each particular situation. Those fired, with a suspended employment contract, with a workday reduced by 50% or more, independent and informal workers whose application has been approved will receive a bonus of ¢ 125 thousand per month for 3 months. Meanwhile, for those who suffered a reduction in their working hours by 50% or less, the amount will be ¢ 62,500 per month, for the same period. The Government intends to allocate ¢ 296 billion for this program. With this amount, it is expected to help 612,000 people, as well as 68,000 households in poverty, for an approximate total of 680,000 beneficiaries. /web/20200501233235/ https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/04/gobierno-lanza-bono-proteger-para-personas-trabajadoras-afectadas-por-covid-19/

State of Emergency ast from March 16. Public institutions operate at 20% and all other work must be telecommunte: https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/costa-rica-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html; https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/04/nuevas-medidas-de-restriccion-aplicaran-del-13-al-30-de-abril/

Se mantiene cierre de bares, discotecas, teatros y cines de manera total. (bars, discos, theatres, cinemas are closed until April 30) https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1607-nuevas-medidas-de-restriccion-aplicaran-del-13-al-30-de-abril

On 13 April, Public Transport resumes for buses but strict controls on private transports in place. Ferry Remains closed: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/04/nuevas-medidas-de-restriccion-aplicaran-del-13-al-30-de-abril/

internal movement allowed but restricted: ony during the day, and only certain numbers (Medidas de restricción vehicular diurna aplicarán de 5 a.m. a 7 p.m, con distribución de placas. Restricción total vehicular nocturna será de 7 p.m. a 5 a.m., salvo excepciones. Fines de semana la restricción será total al tránsito vehicular con las siguientes excepciones: acceso a supermercados, abastecedores, pulperías, farmacias y centros de salud) https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1607-nuevas-medidas-de-restriccion-aplicaran-del-13-al-30-de-abril

There is no specific mention of the number of people that are allowed to gather, but mass gatherings have been banned. Smaller gatherings are not recommended (but also not banned) On March 23rd, the Government closed beaches, suspended religious gatherings and suggested to avoid family gatherings. Public events have also been cancelled. Workplaces opening in May require them to only allow entrance to 50 or 25% of the people that they would normally do. https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1582-gobierno-endurece-medidas-sanitarias-para-impedir-contagio-de-covid-19 “Costa Rica banned mass gatherings on 9 March and, on 16 March, declared a state of emergency, under which people were told to work from home, and schools and all non-essential businesses were closed. The country’s borders were subsequently shut on 19 March.” https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/05/costa-rica-winning-battle-coronavirus-covid-19/ There is no specific mention of the number of people that are allowed to gather. On March 23rd, the Government closed beaches, suspended religious gatherings and suggested to avoid family gatherings. Public events have also been cancelled. Workplaces opening in May require them to only allow entrance to 50 or 25% of the people that they would normally do. https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1582-gobierno-endurece-medidas-sanitarias-para-impedir-contagio-de-covid-19

https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-informacion/material-comunicacion/protocolos-ms/coronavirus/4696-quedate-en-casa-y-segui-las-instrucciones-del-ministerio-de-salud/file https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/04/ministro-de-salud-insiste-en-quedarse-en-casa/ https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/03/gobierno-declara-estado-de-emergencia-nacional-impide-llegada-de-extranjeros-y-se-suspende-lecciones-en-todos-los-centros-educativos-del-pais/

the borders remain closed (air, sea and land) since http://archive.fo/wip/uavqb

https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/2020/04/08/covid-19-y-educacion-superior-politicas-publicas-nacionales/

Essential services like supermarkets and healt facilities do not have restrictions to working hours. Most workplaces, including banks, beauty salons, restaurants, shooting ranges and hardware stores, can open Monday to Friday, from 5am until 7pm, respecting social distancing measures. https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/sobre_ministerio/prensa/decretos_cvd/MS_DM_3874_2020_resolucion_establecimientos_05052020.pdf

https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/sobre_ministerio/prensa/docs/lineamientos_generales_transporte_version_5_19032020.pdf https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/04/gobierno-avanza-en-medidas-para-el-servicio-de-transporte-publico-ante-emergencia-del-covid-19/

From 5am to 7pm cars can circulate (depending on the registration plate number). From 7pm to 5am there is total movement restriction for private cars. https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1636-gobierno-anuncia-nuevas-medidas-para-el-funcionamiento-del-pais

https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-informacion/material-comunicacion/protocolos-ms https://www.facebook.com/msaludcr/ https://www.instagram.com/presidenciacr/

Schedule for the following 3 months (from may 16th) /web/20200601031859/ https://covid19.go.cr/gobierno-presenta-cronograma-de-reapertura-de-actividades/

From May 16: - New schedule Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. at 10 p.m. vehicle restriction and operation of premises with sanitary permits, such as restaurants, shops, shopping malls, theatres and cinemas. - On weekends, the vehicle restriction schedule is maintained from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm with odd and even plates for the transfer to the establishments authorized by the Ministry of Health. - Opening of some national parks and hotels with 20 rooms, limiting entry and occupation to 50% of capacity. - The beaches are enabled from Monday to Friday from 5:00 am to 8:00 am. - In addition, the authorization from Monday to Sunday of the practice of recreational sports without physical contact and behind closed doors of physical contact sports. - On weekends, restaurants and shopping centres, cinemas and theatres are still closed and home services remain enabled, as well as supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware stores, beauty salons, sales of agricultural supplies, workshops, cycles, lubricentros, among others they also remain open on the weekend. - In the case of public sector institutions, the basic 20% operating plan and the implementation of telework measures will continue. - Theatres and cinemas may operate with measures of separation of seats of at least 1.8 meters between each person and a ticket office or electronic reservation. - Twenty-room hotels are enabled with 50% of their maximum capacity. - Opening of motels. - Closing of massive gatherings and public shows remain - Reopening of some national parks limiting the entry of visitors to 50% of their capacity https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1657-nuevas-medidas-de-restriccion-regiran-del-16-al-31-de-mayo Public events seems to have remained closed as per the notes. Further, the source announces continued closing of massive gatherings and public shows, event rooms, bars, discotheques, casinos and random activities, National Theatre and Melico Salazar Theatre, community shifts and fairs, as well as amusement parks and the like.

A nightly curfew remains for certain areas of the country (5pm-5am). Several sectors have begun opening again, with restrictions on the capacity allowed.

I believe this needs to be corrected earlier on. According to the website of the Ministry of Health, public events have been cancelled until further notice. News outlets mention they are cancelled until September. https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1560-gobierno-cancela-eventos-masivos-e-instruye-teletrabajo-para-sector-publico https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/03/gobierno-cancela-eventos-masivos-e-instruye-teletrabajo-para-sector-publico/

"Public transportation, including buses and trains, can operate with some capacity limits. Taxis can continue to operate at all hours of every day." https://ticotimes.net/2020/06/03/when-can-i-drive-breaking-down-costa-ricas-newly-updated-vehicular-restrictions

Costa Rica is enforcing nationwide driving restrictions until at least June 19 to slow the spread of the coronavirus. https://ticotimes.net/2020/06/03/when-can-i-drive-breaking-down-costa-ricas-newly-updated-vehicular-restrictions "In response to a second wave of COVID-19 infections, vehicle circulation restrictions were re-introduced in 5 northern districts on June 3." Included the areas of: Abangares, Cañas, Guácimo, Guatuso, La Cruz, Los Chiles, Pococí, Río Cuarto, San Carlos, San Ramón, Sarapiquí, Siquirres and Upala. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#C

June 5 - The Minister of Education declared data face-to-face classes are planned to resume from July 13 Link: https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/esto-es-lo-que-contempla-e-plan-de-regreso-a-clases/

On June 7, the Ministry of Health published on twitter infographics with The Golden Rules for avoiding getting sick from COVID-19: The first rule is to stay home as long as you can & Prevent minors from leaving the house or going to public places. Link: https://twitter.com/msaludcr/status/1269719527350296579

June 9 - The minister of health revealed the measures that he considers key to the success in managing the outbreak, although victory cannot be claimed yet: "Strict tracking and early confinement". Despite the fact that Costa Rica was the first Central American country in which a positive case of Covid-19 was registered, "we made decisions at the right time, such as the fact of having suspended mass concentrations and the entry of tourists when we had only 41 cases" , which was followed by the rapid closure of educational centers, beaches and bars, the recommendation to work from home and a restriction on vehicular mobility that caused people to leave much less. Link: https://www.abc.es/sociedad/abci-rastreo-contactos-y-confinamiento-temprano-claves-milagro-costarricense-gestion-coronavirus-202006091319_noticia.html?ref= https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

June 17 - The Health Minister, Daniel Salas, reiterated this afternoon that the return to school will be in a gradual and gradual way. “A return to classes in the midst of a pandemic is far from being in full condition. It will be in a staggered, gradual way. The MEP has stratified, to see which are the educational centers and populations that can gradually go back to classes" In the four-phase de-escalation plan released by the government of the Republic since May, classes are expected to start in the last stage, that is, on July 12. "The academic year will be resumed progressively according to the conditions of each place and co-existing distance education, when health conditions allow it and in accordance with the scenarios identified by the expert team in the 27 educational regions of the country, and indigenous territories ”, reads the measure. Link: https://www.elmundo.cr/costa-rica/ministro-regreso-a-clases-va-a-ser-de-forma-escalonada-y-paulatina/

The Costa Rican Health Ministry suspended the country's third phase of its economic reopening plan, due to begin on Saturday, June 20, after a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases on Friday, June 19. The ministry announced that 119 cases had been confirmed on Friday, the highest daily increase recorded. Non-essential retail stores, cinemas, and museums must now remain closed and sports matches due to take place have been suspended. Link: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/352466/costa-rica-authorities-stall-reopening-of-economy-due-to-rise-in-covid-19-cases-june-19-update-7

Third phase of reopening is canceled due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. The opening of cinemas, theaters, museums and shops is postponed on weekends, as well as places of worship and extended hours of beaches. /web/20200622045036/ https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1727-tercera-fase-de-reapertura-se-cancela-por-aumento-de-casos-covid-19

Special measures on paid public transport of people, special transport and international land transport - Public transport intended for the paid transport of people in the form of a bus, minibus or minibus may only operate during the hours from 04:00 to 23:00. - The circulation of special student or occasional transportation vehicles, as well as special bus, minibus and bus services, will not be allowed, except as provided in the second point of the list of exceptions and those cases duly justified and approved by the Transportation Council. Public, required for the continuity of public services or attention to the state of national emergency. - The circulation of special tourism transport vehicles will be allowed, in compliance with the sanitary guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on COVID-19 and in accordance with the corresponding provisions issued by the Public Transport Council in order to regulate the transit of this type of public transport. Link: https://delfino.cr/2020/06/esta-es-la-restriccion-vehicular-que-rige-desde-el-22-de-junio-de-2020-por-pandemia-de-covid-19 The government also made mandatory the use of masks on public transport. https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/ctp-y-mascarilla-obligatoria-hubiese-querido-que-se-pidiera-desde-hace-mes-y-medio/ https://www.nacion.com/ciencia/salud/este-sabado-comienza-a-regir-uso-obligatorio-de/3AERTLUGFBDLPK7FNPMOFXGKWU/story/

June 22 - A nationwide restriction on vehicular movements remains in place between 10:00 (local time) and 05:00. Vehicles with number plates ending in 1 and 2 will not be permitted to circulate on Mondays, those ending in 3 and 4 may not travel on Tuesdays, those ending in 5 and 6 on Wednesdays, 7 and 8 on Thursdays, and 9 and 0 on Fridays. Vehicles ending in even numbers may not circulate on Saturdays between 22:00 and 05:00, whilst odd numbers may not travel between these hours on Sundays. Only essential visits to pharmacies, medical centers, and supermarkets will be permitted during these hours. A locality is declared under orange alert, because it has a time restriction vehicular and operation of different facilities to the rest of the country. Border districts, while not under orange alert, are also subject to the strongest vehicular restriction. The rest of the districts and cantons included in the Yellow Alert will be subject to the restrictions and sanitary provisions issued by the Ministry of Health Link: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/354691/costa-rica-borders-to-reopen-to-tourists-on-august-1-update-8 https://delfino.cr/2020/06/esta-es-la-restriccion-vehicular-que-rige-desde-el-22-de-junio-de-2020-por-pandemia-de-covid-19 https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/06/cambia-estado-de-alertas-en-comunidades-de-upala-san-carlos-pococi-y-desamparados/

Sports events appear to remain closed: Starting from the “Sectoral Protocol for the prevention of COVID-19 in the sports and recreation sector”, approved by the Minister of Sport, Hernán Solano Venegas, the organizations in charge of sports clubs, facilities and sports and recreational events of mass concentration will be able to elaborate their own guides to reactivate their activities, preventing the spread of the virus. Link: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/07/aprobado-protocolo-sanitario-para-la-reactivacion-de-actividades-deportivas-y-recreativas/

No new measure annourced. However, given the government measure on June 26 I think the previous coding might be incorrect.

Costa Rican authorities announced on Friday, June 26, that the country's borders will reopen to tourists from certain destinations on August 1 following their closure due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The health ministry stated that international airports will take arrivals from countries deemed to have controlled the spread of COVID-19. Link: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/354691/costa-rica-borders-to-reopen-to-tourists-on-august-1-update-8 https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

June 23 - 23,700 VULNERABLE FAMILIES RECEIVE AN EXTRAORDINARY SUBSIDY OF 100,000 COLONES (US$172) - The Mixed Institute of Social Aid (IMAS) deposited 23,700 families with an extraordinary subsidy for 100,000 colones, whose poverty and conformation make them vulnerable to the socio-economic impact caused by the COVID-19 emergency. Most of these families received the first draft in April for the same purpose. People did not need to fill out any type of form, since they were identified by the social information systems of IMAS and SINIRUBE, considering among other characteristics the presence of female headship, of elderly people, in a situation of disability or because it detects people minors in charge. People who did not have an account for the deposit received the money with the support of the National Bank. Therefore, individualized messages were created with full name, ID number, amount of the subsidy and indication of the specific branch where you must withdraw your card. The subsidy: It is aimed at households “headed” by women, with dependents, elderly or disabled adults, that were not covered by other State programs. Unlike the Bono Proteger, aimed at people affected by Covid-19, this subsidy is required to be in a situation of poverty. It seeks to contribute to this population to cover their basic needs. Link: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/06/23-700-familias-en-vulnerabilidad-reciben-subsidio-extraordinario-de-100-mil-colones/

It was agreed to extend until December 31, 2020 8 transitional measures on the regulation regarding the formalization of payment agreements for debts of employers and independent workers with the social security fund: - Decrease in the interest rate (Basic passive rate plus one percentage point). - Extension of the maximum terms of formalization. - Decrease in initial payments for payment agreements with independent workers. - Extension of the term of completion of the payment agreements. - Inclusion of formalization expenses in payment agreements (debts of less than ¢ 1 million). - Expansion in payment agreements, modality paid only interest. - Decrease of the amount to be amortized to readjust payment agreements. - Decrease in the percentage of fiduciary guarantee coverage. It was agreed to extend until September 30, 2020, the suspension of collection procedures, only for debts that originated during the months of February to September 2020. The collection procedures to be suspended are those related closing of business due to late payments, the filing of civil lawsuits, and complaints of wrongful retention of funds. Among the institutional efforts is the increase of ¢ 20 billion (US$34.5million) to the contingency fund for the response to the pandemic, which has an updated amount of ¢ 85 million, of which 42.8% has already been executed. Link: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/06/ccss-ajusta-medidas-financieras-de-apoyo-durante-2020-ante-emergencia-nacional/

The MoH continues to publish on its website updated information on the pandemic's evolution and on government measures. Link: https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/ Other sources: https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-informacion/material-comunicacion/protocolos-ms https://www.facebook.com/msaludcr/ https://www.instagram.com/presidenciacr/

June 23 - A total of 192 COVID-19 tests have been carried out on workers from 204 companies in the northern zone in an inter-institutional operation that has going on since carried out since the previous June 16 with the aim of inspecting the operation of the agricultural sector, under the health, labor guidelines and migratory, in the framework of the national pandemic emergency. This was reported by Alid Moreno, from the Health Area of ??the Los Chiles Costa Rican Social Security Fund, after providing a report on Tuesday of the work carried out in the area in conjunction with authorities from the Ministries of Health and Public Security. "We are seeing if there are symptomatic people with risk factors in these companies and so we can proceed to sample them," the official reported, indicating that, "36 hours later we have the result and if there is a positive case, we proceed jointly. with the Ministry of Health ”, he detailed. Link: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/06/realizan-192-muestras-covid-19-a-trabajadores-de-204-empresas-en-zona-norte/

Banco Popular provides new facilities and support measures for clients - Expansions of credit terms, interest rate adjustments or even the granting of grace periods are contemplated. - Support options are designed for clients who show affectation to their income level due to the effects of the pandemic. Link: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/06/banco-popular-brinda-nuevas-facilidades-y-medidas-de-apoyo-para-clientes/

After an analysis of the epidemiological situation, Costa Rica will be able to advance to phase 3 of reopening, with the exception of the orange alert zones and some neighboring cantons and districts. This was announced at a press conference by the Minister of Health, Daniel Salas and the Minister of National Planning and coordinator of the economic team, Pilar Garrido. Weekends : Weekend operation of shops (50% capacity), cinemas, theaters and museums at 50% (prior purchase and separation of 1.8 meters). Link: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/06/gobierno-anuncia-nueva-fase-de-reaperturas-y-actualizacion-en-alertas/ About the Commercial Establishments located in the districts under Orange Alert: establishments can only operate from Monday to Friday from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm. On weekends, only supermarkets, pharmacies, grocery stores, suppliers and health services may operate without time restrictions, as well as those establishments exceptionally enabled by the Ministry of Health. About the Sanitary Vehicle Restriction: Link: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/06/cambia-estado-de-alertas-en-comunidades-de-upala-san-carlos-pococi-y-desamparados/

After an analysis of the epidemiological situation, Costa Rica will be able to advance to phase 3 of reopening, with the exception of the orange alert zones and some neighboring cantons and districts. This was announced at a press conference by the Minister of Health, Daniel Salas and the Minister of National Planning and coordinator of the economic team, Pilar Garrido. - Monday to Sunday : The operation of places of worship is authorized with a maximum of 75 people and a distance of 1.8 meters, according to the approved protocols. - Beaches : Access to the beaches can be done from Monday to Sunday from 5:00 am to 9:30 am, using social bubbles. Link: https://www.presidencia.go.cr/comunicados/2020/06/gobierno-anuncia-nueva-fase-de-reaperturas-y-actualizacion-en-alertas/

On 9 July, the WHO declared Costa Rica as one of the new countries entering the "Community transmission" phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this stage, contact tracing efforts are more difficult to maintain. On the week of 6 July, in more than 60% of the registered cases in the country, it was not possible to investigate the epidemiological links due to the collapse of the tracking systems, given the large number of infections being registered. http://archive.fo/2I9qF

As of 22 July, schools remain closed in Costa Rica. http://archive.fo/hKx4Y

From 20 July, the Government declared more stringent vehicle restriction measures that will be in place until 31 July. http://archive.fo/C4o54 http://archive.vn/yqMId

Until 1 August, only Costa Rican citizens, residents who left the country before 24 March, minor children of Costa Rican citizens, and Foreign diplomats are allowed to enter Costa Rica. This restriction applies to all arrivals by land, sea, and air. The Minister of Health also declared that, as of 1 August, only foreigners from countries that have "controlled the spread of the virus" will be able to enter the country. ttp://web.archive.org/web/20200722213503/ https://cr.usembassy.gov/es/covid-19-coronavirus-informacion/

On 9 April, the Government announced a three-month temporary financial aid "Bono Proteger" targeting people affected by the health emergency of COVID-19. According to these dates, this income support is still in place. As of now, however, there are no expectations of additional income support. Deputies of the Legislative Assembly recently rejected an extraordinary budget of the Government that included ¢75,000 million for the delivery of social aid. https://www.elmundo.cr/costa-rica/gobierno-lanza-bono-economico-para-trabajadores-afectados-por-covid-19/ https://thecostaricanews.com/more-than-139000-citizens-are-still-waiting-to-recieve-the-bono-proteger/

The Ministry of Health keeps updating its website and social media (Twitter) on a regular basis with information regarding the pandemic.

The Costa Rican government will begin an economic reopening on 1 August, in a bid to reverse a sharp coronavirus-induced slowdown, the president said on 29 July. This could imply some policy changes in the next coding. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-costa-rica-economy/costa-rica-to-begin-staggered-reopening-as-july-coronavirus-cases-jump-idUKKCN24V07N

The Costa Rican government will begin an economic reopening on 1 August, in a bid to reverse a sharp coronavirus-induced slowdown, the president said on 29 July. This could imply some policy changes in the next coding. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-costa-rica-economy/costa-rica-to-begin-staggered-reopening-as-july-coronavirus-cases-jump-idUKKCN24V07N

Despite the reopening plans, the government is expected to maintain the restrictions on large gatherings, bars, and nightclubs. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-costa-rica-economy/costa-rica-to-begin-staggered-reopening-as-july-coronavirus-cases-jump-idUKKCN24V07N

The Costa Rican government will begin an economic reopening on 1 August, in a bid to reverse a sharp coronavirus-induced slowdown, the president said on 29 July. This could imply some policy changes in the next coding. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-costa-rica-economy/costa-rica-to-begin-staggered-reopening-as-july-coronavirus-cases-jump-idUKKCN24V07N

As of August 1, international passenger flights will be authorized to arrive at Costa Rica's three international airports.

No recent changes found in debt/contract relief policy.

No recent changes found in testing policy.

From 1 August and during the next 9 days, there will be reopening of most economic activities in the country. These measures will be rollbacked from 10-21 August, where the country will go back to a lockdown; and will be reinstated from 22 August onwards, where this staggered reopening policy will be evaluated. Businesses allowed to resume activities at a 50% capacity and from 5:00 am to 8:30 am include: Markets, supermarkets, mini-supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, butchers, pharmacies, banking and financial services, laundries, hardware stores, locksmiths, sale of agricultural products, livestock, fisheries, florists, veterinary and hygiene supplies, funeral homes and vigil chapels. https://www.elmundo.cr/costa-rica/estas-son-las-nuevas-medidas-que-regiran-a-partir-del-1-de-agosto/

Despite the new reopening measures in the country, a ban on large gatherings including public shows, public celebrations, entertainment activities in shopping centers, among others, remains in place.

With the new measures implemented from 1 August, private gatherings are allowed in places of worship with mandatory use of a face mask, and a maximum occupancy capacity of 75 people. This number of people does not include the staff of the place (which must be the minimum), with distance measures of 1.8 meters respecting social bubbles. Event rooms for activities of a maximum of 30 people (with seating separation measures of at least 1.8 meters, respecting social bubbles, and with lists of attendees with an identification number and contact number). The 30 people should include the event logistics staff and guests. https://www.elmundo.cr/costa-rica/estas-son-las-nuevas-medidas-que-regiran-a-partir-del-1-de-agosto/

The government of Costa Rica announced on 23 July the opening of international flights, starting on August 1. Foreign travelers will be allowed to enter the country after meeting a series of requirements, such as a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test result 48 hours prior to the trip; and an epidemiological digital form of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund. The first flight arrived last 3 August from Spain with more than 200 passengers. Government's announcement: http://archive.fo/e0rC1 Coverage of the first flight: http://archive.fo/Wexqx

From 1 August and during the next 9 days, there will be reopening of most economic activities in the country. These measures will be rollbacked from 10-21 August, where the country will go back to a lockdown; and will be reinstated from 22 August onwards, where this staggered reopening policy will be evaluated. Businesses allowed to resume activities at a 50% capacity and from 5:00 am to 8:30 am include: Markets, supermarkets, mini-supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, butchers, pharmacies, banking and financial services, laundries, hardware stores, locksmiths, sale of agricultural products, livestock, fisheries, florists, veterinary and hygiene supplies, funeral homes and vigil chapels. https://www.elmundo.cr/costa-rica/estas-son-las-nuevas-medidas-que-regiran-a-partir-del-1-de-agosto/