New sanitary measures have been ordered to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the statement issued by the Presidency of the Republic and the Ministry of Health, on July 2^nd. The decision stems from the continued increase in cases in recent days, with a total of 4,023 cases registered since March 6 of this year.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that community-wide spread (contagion comunitario) is present within the Greater Metropolitan Area, therefore, the following measures will apply from Friday, July 3^rd, and until next Monday, July 13^th.

Vehicular restriction:

• An increased vehicle restriction is now applicable to the entire country, including counties under orange alert, from Mondays to Sundays from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., excluding the counties and districts near the northern border with differentiated vehicle restriction from 5:00 pm a 5:00 am. Additionally, the previously established vehicle restriction, according to license plate numbers, maintains the following parameters:
  • Weekdays: From 5 a.m. at 7 p.m., following the one-day restriction according to the license plate.
  • Weekends: From 5 a.m. at 7 p.m., on Saturdays license plates with an odd number, and on Sundays license plates with an even number
• Exceptions apply to public transport systems and taxis, home deliveries, and people who move to productive activities or work centers bearing a letter of justification.

Mandatory use of face masks:

The mandatory use of face masks is applicable to all those who enter supermarkets and stores throughout the country.

Regulation of establishments within orange alert zones:

• On weekdays, establishments dedicated to commercial activity may operate from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• On weekends, only supermarkets, pharmacies, medical centers, grocery stores, suppliers, bakeries, butchers, home delivery, agricultural, veterinary, and hygiene supplies, banks, funeral homes, hardware stores, locksmiths, and repair shops may operate.
• Hotels may operate from Monday to Sunday with a maximum capacity of 50%.
• Farmer’s markets will be able to operate under strict protocols, and a differentiated schedule for senior citizens from 5:00 am to 8:30 am.

Regulation of establishments within yellow alert zones:

• Establishments within yellow alert zones continue Phase 3 of reopening, under a 5:00 am to 7:00 pm schedule with authorization for the operation of places of worship of maximum 75 people, beaches from 5:00 am to 9:30 am, hotels at 50% and restaurants, shops, museums, cinemas, and theaters on weekends.

Mass gatherings and public shows, bars, clubs, casinos and gambling, shifts, community fairs, amusement parks and alike continue to be completely disabled.

Counties within orange alert zones:

Counties and districts near the northern border with differentiated vehicle restriction (5:00 p.m. a 5:00 a.m.):

• La Cruz
• Upala
• Guatuso
• Los Chiles
• San Carlos: Aguas Zarcas, Curtis, Pital, Pocosol, and Venecia. Additionally, the Southeast sector of the la Fortuna de San Carlos district (Tres Esquinas, Los Ángeles, Sonafluca, La Perla, San Isidro, El Tanque, San Jorge, Santa Cecilia); and La Vega and Bonanza of the Florencia district.
• Río Cuarto
• Llanuras del Gaspar y Curuña districts in the Sarapiquí county
• Pacuarito y Reventazón districts in the Siquirres county
• Pococí
• Duacarí district in the Guácimo county
• Corredores
• Sabalito and Agua Buena districts in the Coto Brus county

If you have questions or require more information, you can contact us and we will be happy to assist you.