Costa Rica has long been a star performer in its handling of the pandemic. Its management of the epidemic as early as March 2020 has been praised. To date, the hospital occupancy rate in March 2021 is 11% for beds dedicated to patients with COVID-19 (111 people for a total of 986 beds) and 36% for intensive care beds.
The case-fatality rate for COVID-19 in Costa Rica in March 2021 was 1.3%, compared with 19% in France over the same period.
Of course, the virus is present in Costa Rica, but in much lower proportions than in Europe. Even on a global scale, Costa Rica is one of the most spared countries.
The causes
Why is this? It is possible to define a few points for reflection:
1 ) An immediate response, starting in March 2020, from premises and companies. Introducing teleworking, making hydroalcoholic gel available everywhere, setting up hand-washing points at shop entrances, closely monitoring mask wear, creating high-quality handcrafted masks, regularly disinfecting contact surfaces...all without the authorities asking for it.
There was an incredible surge of solidarity across the country.
2) a high-quality, intelligently organized healthcare system. The first wave arrived in Costa Rica in May 2020, and to date, the country has not seen a second wave.
Hospitals have not been overwhelmed. Private and public hospitals have worked together, setting up dedicated beds and rooms as early as March.
Voluntary quarantine of people with symptoms has also been an important factor!
3) Public transport (buses and trains) implemented a strict sanitary protocol as early as March 2020. Frequent disinfection of units, with hydroalcoholic gel available on entry and exit. Increased bus frequency, to avoid overcrowding at peak times.
4) With the exception of the capital, San José, Costa Rica is a rural, very natural country, with wide-open spaces and dense forests. As a result, "Ticos" are not accustomed to greeting colleagues with a kiss or a handshake. Contacts between colleagues are therefore limited, which was an important factor in preventing the exponential spread of the virus at the start of the epidemic.
These are just a few observations. But the various players in the global tourism industry and the World Health Organization are unanimous: Costa Rica is a safe country!
Of course, the epidemic is present, as it is in the rest of the world, but by respecting the health protocol put in place by the authorities and our agency Morpho Evasions, you can travel with peace of mind.
Health protocol
Is this protocol binding for you? Not at all!
All the guides, drivers, waiters, receptionists and others you'll meet throughout your vacation will be wearing masks, and you'll be offered hydro-alcoholic gel every time.
All rental vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before your arrival (cleaning protocol with a 70% alcohol solution).
Particular attention is paid to hotel common areas (reception, swimming pool, restaurants). They are permanently cleaned and contact areas (railings, tables, handles) are disinfected repeatedly throughout the day.
Some establishments will carry out temperature checks when you arrive. Shops in particular.
For all your activities, sanitary standards will be respected (masks must be worn in enclosed areas and on public transport). Entrance to sites is limited in number of people. National parks have increased their visitor capacity to 50%.
This puts Costa Rica at the top of the list of countries where you can travel without compromising on health and safety.
So you can look forward to your stay in the heart of nature or on one of our country's heavenly beaches!
Pura Vida
