The Corona Virus and Costa Rica Travel Restrictions
THE CORONA VIRUS AND COSTA RICA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Everyone has been unable to travel due to
the Covid-19 pandemic that has spread around the world like wildfire during
2019-20. Nevertheless, governments around the world are now starting to allow
citizens to travel, initially in their home countries but now increasingly
abroad too. The pandemic is far from over, and we must still be careful, but it
appears our wanderlust can slowly be cured from here on out, now we can start
traveling during Covid-19.
Travel Costa Rica in the time of Coronavirus
Many of you will be wondering, ‘is it
safe to travel now?’ The truth is, it depends. But traveling to Costa Rica is
safe if you follow the restrictions. If we are all careful and sensible and
practice physical distancing and abide by the rules, then it should be ok.
Travel will boost local economies around the world, and is good for your mental
health and wellbeing, especially after lockdown. However, it’s completely
normal to feel apprehensive about travel and still not want to go.
Travel in the time of Coronavirus: Current Situation Is Travel Allowed?
Yes, on August 1, Costa Rica’s
international airports reopen to tourists from some countries. As of November
1, there is no longer any travel ban. Residents from all countries and all U.S.
states can now enter Costa Rica by air.
Plan your trip to Costa Rica and get the best Flight Bookings on cheapusaflight.com
Travel
Restrictions/Travel Ban Tourists
Costa Rica closed its borders (land, air,
and sea) to all foreign travelers between March 18 and July 31. A partial
reopening for visitors from some countries began on August 1. More countries
and the many U.S. States were slowly added to the list. As of November 1, residents
from all countries and all U.S. states are allowed to enter by air or sea (land
borders remain closed to tourists).
To enter, visitors will need to complete
an online epidemiological form and carry specified travel insurance. A
quarantine period is not required for tourists when entering. COVID-19 tests
are also NO LONGER required (since October 26).
Plan your trip to Costa Rica and get the best Flight Bookings on cheapusaflight.com
Recent Developments
· Costa Rica saw its highest daily increase of new COVID- 19 cases on September 18. There were 1,556 new cases over 24 hours.It is important to note that tourists are
required to purchase travel insurance that covers medical care at private
facilities, not through public hospitals.
Plan your trip to Costa Rica and get the best Flight Bookings on cheapusaflight.com
Newest COVID Stats
As of January 15, there have been 186,016
confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Costa Rica, 142,245 people recovered, and 2,458
deceased, leaving 41,313 active cases.
Specific Actions
Here are some notable actions are taken:
• Since Last February, Costa Rica has had
the proper laboratory test for diagnosing COVID-19. All government testing has
been through INCIENSA, the country’s Center for Disease Investigation.
• Hospitals, as well as emergency
services (like 911), have protocols in place to deal with patients showing or
describing symptoms. Additionally, a dedicated COVID-19 hospital has been set
up in the San Jose area. The public health system has also expanded its
intensive care (ICU) bed capacity and continues to do so.
• Campaigns by the government-run healthcare system (CCSS) are continuously informing the public of preventative
techniques. They are delivering information through television, radio, and social
media.
• A new telephone hotline (1322) was put
in place that is dedicated to Coronavirus consultations. 911 remains available
for serious health situations and other emergencies.
• The Ministry of Health issued new
guidelines for commercial chains, supermarkets, and smaller convenience stores.
These specify cleaning and sanitary procedures as well as offering specific
hours for elderly customers.
• The Ministry of Health has been using
contact tracing techniques to identify individuals that were potentially
exposed to an active case whenever possible. The people identified are required
to quarantine for 14-days and their health is monitored during that time.
• Starting in June, the Costa Rican government began issuing emergency alerts (see below sections) in several
cantons and specific districts where the virus is spreading. These alerts come
with increased restrictions.
• On July 20, the Ministry of Health
modified the regulation for masks or face shields. They are required in all
indoor spaces, except for private homes and restaurants (customers are exempt
but not staff). Since September 9, a mask specifically must be worn in all
those spaces. A face shield can be worn as well, but only in addition to a
mask.
• Costa Rica has contracted with several
global pharmaceutical companies to supply the country with approximately 3
million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The public healthcare system has
purchased specialized freezers to store the vaccine and plans to begin a vaccination campaign in the first quarter of 2021.
Plan your trip to Costa Rica and get the best Flight Bookings on cheapusaflight.com
Reopening Measures
Like many countries, Costa Rica closed
many businesses and public areas/services at the start of the pandemic. In late
April, Costa Rican officials announced that countrywide restrictions would
begin to be loosened gradually and on a trial basis.
This began as a four-phase plan. Each
phase opened more businesses and services, while at the same time implementing
strict sanitary guidelines. For example, restaurants were allowed to reopen at
50% capacity.
Three phases of the reopening plan were
implemented but the fourth phase (originally scheduled for July 2020) was
postponed due to an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases.
Instead of going forward with the fourth
phase, the government has made individual adjustments to the measures at
various times. For example, in June and July, local tourism was encouraged with
the reopening of hotels, beaches (for limited hours), and national parks.
Officials have always stressed that restrictions may be put back into place if
they see a rise in the number of cases.
Since August 31, officials have eased
restrictions to allow most businesses with a health permit (e.g. restaurants,
shops, many services) to open at 50% capacity and hotels at 100% (with common
areas at 50%).
You can read details of the health
measures on the Ministry of Health Announcement page or in more detail on the
Presidential Alert Page.
Temporary Measures for January
· Due to a steady rise in hospitalizations, the government has issued the
following restrictions for New Year's Eve and January 2021.
· January 1, 2, and 3: Most businesses with a health permit (including
restaurants, nonessential shops, etc.) were required to close at 8:00 p.m. A
vehicle restriction was also in place between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 5:00
a.m.
· January 4-17: The capacity of bars and casinos was limited to 25%, and
national parks 50% capacity.
· January 4-31: Beaches will be open only from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(changed from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting on January 13).
· Starting January 9 and for remaining weekends throughout the month,
only vehicles with license plates ending with an even number can drive Saturday
and an odd number on Sunday. Rental cars, tourism vehicles, and some other
classes of vehicles are exempt from this restriction.
Vehicle Restrictions
To restrict the movement of people,
driving restrictions have been put in place.
Driving Restrictions (Countrywide –
Yellow and Orange Alert Zones)
IMPORTANT: Temporary Restrictions for
December 31- January 31
December
31: A vehicle restriction is in place between the
hours of 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
January
1, 2, and 3: A vehicle restriction is in place between
the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
January
4-31: Vehicles can operate on the regular schedule of
5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (weekdays) and 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (weekends)
Starting
January 9 and for remaining weekends throughout the
month, only vehicles with license plates ending with an even number can drive
Saturday and an odd number on Sunday. Rental cars, tourism vehicles, and some
other classes of vehicles are exempt from this restriction.
Regular License Plate Restrictions
(Countrywide)
Monday – vehicles with plates ending with 1 or 2 cannot drive.
Tuesday – vehicles with plates ending with 3 or 4 cannot drive.
Wednesday – vehicles with plates ending with 5 or 6 cannot drive.
Thursday – vehicles with plates ending with 7 or 8 cannot drive.
Friday – vehicles with plates ending with 9 or 0 cannot drive.
Saturday – no license plate restrictions, everyone can drive. (except Jan 23,
30 plates ending in odd numbers cannot drive)
Sunday – no license plate restrictions, everyone can drive. (except Jan 24, 31 plates ending in even numbers cannot drive)
Plan your trip to Costa Rica and get the best Flight Bookings on cheapusaflight.com
Where to Get Updates
Official announcements are published on
the Ministry of Health News website. They also share information to their
Facebook Page.
Additionally, the President’s office has
set up a COVID-19 Alert Page, with the most recent restrictions and protocols.
TO READ MORE BLOGS
How travel industry has revolutionized post-Covid?
The Best Places for a Good Friday Holiday
Comments
Post a Comment