(QCOSTARICA) The regimen of Daniel Ortega continues to deny the seriousness of the coronavirus in Nicaragua, organizing massive activities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An example is the “Noche Cultural en la Bahía” (Cultural Night at the Bay) organized by the mayor’s office of San Juan del Sur, the area bordering Costa Rica, for today, Saturday, June 27, starting at 5:00 pm.
San Juan del Sur is known for its attractive beaches, and a top destination for tourism in the South Pacific coast of Nicaragua, some 40 minutes from the Costa Rica border of Peñas Blancas.
The activity has the support of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (Intur) and in the poster that is promoted on social networks, the group announces that it will liven up what is already estimated to be an agglomeration of people.
The Government of Daniel Ortega has been strongly criticized for the irresponsible way in which it has handled the health situation, constantly calling for activities in which large numbers of people gather when what is required to avoid contagions is social distancing.
(QCOSTARICA) The mandatory use of facemasks or face shields goes into effect, today, Saturday, June 27.
Facemasks or face shields (caretas in Spanish) are now mandatory on public transport
On Friday, the Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, detailed who must use of the mask and under what conditions:
Any person attending the public must wear a face mask or a face shield. In the case of restaurants, food servers must always be a mask due to the elevated position of the person taking the order. The personnel of attention to the public that has physical barriers (glass, acrylic, polyethylene), is not obliged to use a face mask or a face shield. If a risk assessment carried out by the company itself considers it appropriate, face mask or face shield can be used as part of personal protective equipment.
Clients and drivers of paid public transport, ie buses and taxis. While a face mask or a face shield must be used inside the public transport vehicles, they use is recommended at stations and stops. The bus company will have the respective labeling on the correct use of the mask. Drivers can refuse passage to a passenger who refuses to wear a face mask or a face shield.
Assistants and those who officiate religious acts.
Attendees to theaters and cinemas.
People who visit health centers, prisons, care centers for people who use psychoactive substances or population care centers that have risk factors.
People who care for the elderly and people with disabilities, especially those who provide this service in nursing homes, nursing homes and other residential alternatives.
People who work in call centers that share work cubicles.
Bank customers, foreseeing the security measures implemented by the entities and minimizing the manipulation of the mask or mask.
The Minister emphasized that the measure is necessary due to greater opening of services and shops, as well as the presence of the virus in highly populated centers, however, he stressed that the use of this personal protective equipment is not a substitute, at any time, the social distancing and hygiene measures.
Health Minister Daniel Salas announcing the start of Phase 3 of reopening that goes into effect June 27 and the opening of airports on August 1
(QCOSTARICA) While the number of new cases daily continues with numbers, gone are the days not long ago when cases where the low two digits, the new norm is now the mid three digits: Friday 152 new cases were added for a total accumulated of 2,836.
Health Minister Daniel Salas announcing the start of Phase 3 of reopening that goes into effect June 27 and the opening of airports on August 1
Of concern is the number of hospitalizations rose by 6 over Thursday, reaching now a high of 36 patients in hospital, six of them in intensive care.
Given the spike in new cases these past two weeks, the number of patients in hospital could rise quickly, overwhelming the health system.
New phase of reopening and updating alerts
On Friday, the Minister of Health, Daniel Salas and the Minister of Planning, new phase of reopening and updating alerts, announced the phase 3 reopening measures.
Starting today, Saturday, June 27, the country enters a new phase of economic activity, basically an easing of restrictions in most areas of the country, including more beach time.
Beaches can now remain open from 5 am to 9:30 am, including weekends.
Malls, retail stores, restaurants, museums and theaters can now open on the weekend. Capacity is limited to 50%, and prior ticket purchase may be required for the latter two.
Churches and other religious establishments can hold services of up to 75 people. Social distancing must be observed, and guests should not sing, as that can spread the coronavirus.
“The country is going to advance to phase three with the expectation of achieving a gradual and safe commercial reopening, except in those cantons where there is an increased risk of contagion. We are in the second wave and the risk has not decreased. Therefore, commercial activities must follow all health protocols for phase three to be carried out successfully and for the benefit of all,” explained the Minister of National Planning.
The phase 3 reopening applies to all “yellow alert” areas – the entire country – save for those cantons and districts under “orange alert” and adjacent to the orange alert.
In the greater metropolitan area, the cantons and districts under orange alert are Pavas, Alajuelita and Desamparados. These areas are under the vehicular restrictions from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm, and commercial activity remains under phase 2.
The cantons and districts adjacent to the orange, that will not join the rest of the country in phase 3 for the moment, are: Ulloa (Heredia), La Uruca, La Merced, Hospital, Hatillo, Mata Redonda, Catedral, Zapote, San Rafael de Escazú, Curridabat, San Francisco de Dos Ríos, San Sebastián, Aserrí, San Gabriel, Corralillo (Cartago).
Arrival of tourists
Minister Salas announced the opening of airports of August 1, 2020.
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This is usually overlooked by customers looking for professional writing services. In fact, customer service is crucial, particularly if you have a rush order and need to reach out for immediate help. Having no immediate and 24/7 access to your chosen writing service should raise a big red flag. So, in order to avoid any irritation for not getting any response, make sure customer service is supportive, friendly and prompt. Only good and respectable writing services offer excellent customer support, are willing to listen and write down what you’re asking for. This also applies to writers who care enough to understand very well what you need and to deliver as prompted. Test customer service by, say, fielding questions even before you place an order. This should give you an early idea of how responsive a service is.
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Wrap-Up
Choosing a professional writing service is a long journey. This shouldn’t be taken lightly. To find one, you should check service’s website, writers’ profiles and credentials, money back policy, samples, customer service and discounts. Ultimately, you should get best value for your money soliciting a professional writing service.
Arrivals a the San Jose airport, the Juan Santamaria (SJO)
(QCOSTARICA) The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, announced this afternoon Costa Rica’s borders to international tourists will be opened on August 1, 2020.
The border restrictions will be extended, again, to July 31, 2020, where only Costa Ricans and legal residents (who did not leave the country after March 24) will allowed entry.
Despite the call by the business sector, tourism, including the Tourism Board, the government of Carlos Alvarado has elected to keep the international airports closed to tourists for a month longer.
“It is logical that there is a lot of pressure, but I am calm with the decisions because they are to protect health,” said Dr. Salas.
(Q COSTA RICA) Starting Thursday, Uber drivers and their passengers will be required to wear masks before the ride can begin.
The user can cancel the service, without a cancellation fee. Drivers who don’t feel safe or whose customers are not wearing masks are encouraged to cancel their ride.
To enforce the rule, the rideshare company is changing its app to require photo proof that a mask is being worn by the driver. Drivers will have to submit a selfie of themselves in a mask or face covering before starting a shift. Once the app has verified that a mask is being worn in the photo, the driver can start the shift.
Though the mandatory use of a mask on public transit announced Monday by the Minister of Health, as part of the health prevention measures against the spread of COVID-19, does not to extend to Uber and other ride platform services, since they are not deemed a public service.
“With this new technology, it will be verified every day that the collaborating partner is wearing a mask through a selfie, and once they validate it, they will notify the user by means of a message in the Uber app. This new tool only allows the mask to be detected as an object within the photograph, and does not process biometric information,” UBER reported in a press release explaining that this verification system is in place in countries such as Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. and the United States.
(Q COSTA RICA) The use of a mask or shield will be mandatory starting Saturday, June 27, with the intent of decreasing the transmission of the coronavirus.
Drivers of public transport have the right to deny service to a user who refuses to mask up, confirmed the executive director of the Consejo de Transporte Publica (CTP) – Public Transport Council – Manuel Vega Villalobos.
The drivers, according to Vega, have the power to ask the user to put on the mask and demand that they wear it during the trip.
“We are calling on all users to take care of their health and those who travel in public transport, so from now on we are preparing to make this mandatory feasible for all,” said Vega.
The executive director of the CTP also stressed that wearing a mask on the bus or taxi is a preventive way that together with physical distancing, constant washing of hands and avoiding contact with the face, nose, eyes and mouth will be more effective for preventing contagion
The measure was announced Monday by the Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, who said that use of a mask is also mandatory for all who serve the public, such as in restaurants, retail shops, supermarkets, etc.
In that regard, supermarket staff has been obligated by their employers to wear a mask for some time, as well as many other retail and services shops. However, not it is mandatory.
Although the use of the mask is not mandatory in all enclosed spaces and not all in open areas, like the street, except for Pavas, that is under a ‘differentiated’ restrictive measure.
"Costa Rica throwback. When it’s safe to travel again where are you going?" asks the influencer to her 176 million Instagram followers. The photo got 1.6 million likes
(Q MAGAZINE) “A memory from Costa Rica. When it is safe to travel again, where do you plan to go?” With this question on her social networks, influencer Kim Kardashian made it clear that she continues to think about our country.
The socialite shared an image of her sitting in the stands with her millions of followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
“Costa Rica throwback. When it’s safe to travel again where are you going?” asks the influencer to her 176 million Instagram followers. The photo got 1.6 million likes on Intragram and thousands of comments on Facebook.
The reactions were immediate and in less than an hour, the image had hundreds of thousands of likes on each of the networks.
The multiple comments were not lacking either. Others responded to what destination they would travel to once the pandemic was over, and others thanked them for mentioning Costa Rica. Some users said they would not travel anywhere because they are simply bankrupt due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus.
Her older sister Kourtney also said her on Instagram that she was sure she had taken that picture.
The millionaire (an estimated net worth of US$370 million – June 2019), along with her family, visited Costa Rica in January 2017 and since then has mentioned that trip on several occasions both in social networks and in her Keeping Up With the Kardashians tv series.
One of the most remembered posts was when she published in July 2019: “I miss Costa Rica” along with a photo of her on the beach, that got more than 1.6 million likes on Instagram.
Thanks to her large number of followers, Kim is considered one of the most influential personalities in the world and brands pay millions of dollars for being mentioned in her publications.
(QCOSTARICA) Following accusations by the family of Luany Valeria Salazar for mishandling of the case, Walter Espinoza, director of the Organisno de Investigacion Judicial (OIJ) was compelled to appear before a legislative commission and had a lot to say.
Luany was reported missing on June 11, her partially buried body was discovered on June 15
The 23-year-old young woman was stabbed seven times and buried in the patio of a nearby house in La Unión de Cartago, on June 15. The body was found by her brother after tips to her last been seen in a house not far from where she lived with her family.
The fresh earth led Luany’s brother to the gruesome find and unleashed a media smear of the OIJ, accusations of mishandling, incompetence and not taking the case seriously, filing a complaint against the OIJ director in the Tres Rios prosecutor’s office. The family also threatened to sue. The legislative commission on Security and Drug Trafficking wanted details.
On Thursday, Espinoza came out against criticism of the agency he has had led for years, shedding light on the investigation and that Luany was not the “angel” her mother pointed out to the media.
The OIJ director revealed that the victim was the girlfriend of a hitman for the narco gang led by Luis Ángel Fajardo Martínez, alias Pollo and who is imprisoned in Nicaragua.
OIJ director, Watler Espinoza (left) on Thursday appearing before a legislative commission
The last time the family saw 23-year-old Luant was seen alive was on Tuesday, June 9, when she left his home in Linda Vista de Río Azul de La Unión, but it was not until Thursday, June 11 – 48 hours later – that the family alerted Police on the situation.
Based on this scarce information, the OIJchief explained that they carried out an investigation, and developing a profile of the victim, learning that the missing girl had ties to a man surnamed Romero, alias Cachetón, who has been under investigation since 2018.
“At that time (2018) we made raids to arrest him. We managed to arrest his brother, but not Romero. This involved doing investigative activities and allowed verifying that this young woman was related to Cachetón,” said the OIJ chief.
Likewise, judicial agents were able to determine that the girl had nine months of working at the El Rey hotel, located in downtown San José. The director did not say if she was an employee of the hotel or one of the many prostitutes who frequent the hotel for clients.
“She had nine notations on her file,” Espinoza emphasized. One of them was of a confusing situation in which two men and another woman had a confrontation inside a motel in Paso Ancho, San José.
“That fact concluded with a shooting and with the opening of an investigation in which the young Luany was listed as a victim of the crime,” he said.
Espinoza also clarified her relationship with drug use, as well as a trip he made to the United Kingdom, at a time not disclosed.
For Luany’s death, the Prosecutor’s Office has the only suspect in custory, a man with last name Mejía and alias Hippie, after the corpse appeared in the house in which he lived. He is currently under a six-month preventive detention (remand) order.
Handling of the complaint
Wálter Espinoza made it clear that, when it comes to a disappearance, the first hours are vital.
Where the boyd of Luany was found
In the case of Luany Salazar, they received the alert from the family almost 48 hours after they had the last contact with her.
According to Espinoza, the last message Salazar sent to her mother was at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 9; The complaint was filed on Thursday, June 11 at 5:55 pm at the OIJ main offices in San Jose.
In the mother’s statement, there were no details: She did not even indicate that she suspected someone, or any other information that could help the investigation, said the OIJ chief.
“She was asked for photographs to be circulated on social networks and in the media,” he said.
On Friday, June 12, in the morning, the complaint is assigned to the Tres Ríos delegation in Cartago, and that is where all the victimology is carried out.
In parallel, he said, he contacts the Prosecutor’s Office to update on their case so far.
“We were looking for a missing person, whose mother only told us he is missing. She did not speak to us of any aggression, or enemies, or problems of any nature, or kidnappings,” he lamented.
Posters circulated by the family
The OIJ director continued that Luany’s mother called 911 with a lead, with few details, a lead that turned out to be false. As the investigation continues into the girl’s disappearance, they were led to the person who was finally arrested the following day after the body was found.
‘The OIJ is not a police organization that invents or lies’
As a fundamental part of his presentation to legislators, Espinoza assured that the OIJ “is not a police that invents or lies, that goes out foolishly and crazily to look for people.”
He added: “It (the OIJ) is not a vagrant Police; it is a technical and professional police. These issues irritate me a lot for one reason only: because they attack the image of a police force that has been working for 46 years, that is part of a democratic system and that brings hope to people. When the OIJ is attacked in invalid circumstances, part of the State is attacked.”
Espinoza indicated that this does not mean that they do not receive comments or complaints on their work; on the contrary “we are open to listen to suggestions and advice”.
He admitted: “People can get mad at us and we like it because it allows us to grow and improve, but when it becomes a show it is really painful because there is not the possibility of defense.”
(QCOSTARICA) After traveling more than 7,000 kilometers, a cloud of dust and sand from the Sahara arrived in Costa Rica. This phenomenon will keep the rains away for a day or two.
According to experts, it can affect those with allergies and asthma. It can also cause respiratory problems.
The amount of Saharan dust particles from the cloud that affects us since Tuesday is five times more intense than those recorded in other years, going from 40 to 200 micrograms per cubic meter.
That was the explanation by the scientist Daniel Poleo, from the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), who argued that the measurements are made with satellites, as well in different stations in the Caribbean Sea, the main one being in Puerto Rico, where they have confirmed that it is the largest in the last 50 years.
“It is because there are more intense dust storms in the Sahara desert. The amount of dust in the current cloud is 15.5 million square kilometers and 16 million tons,” said Poleo.
He added that this Friday the most intense phase is expected to arrive in Costa Rica and that is why they ask people with allergies or respiratory diseases not to go outdoors.
Between June and August, these dust storms are normal. The current one was strengthened by factors such as the warmer Atlantic Ocean than in other years.
#IMN_imagenes imagen del mediodía de hoy jueves muestra la masa de polvo del Sahara sobre Centroamérica y Costa Rica se percibe como una bruma blancuzca (fotos desde IMN) en el ambiente. Persiste el pronóstico que la mayor concentración de polvo será mañana viernes. pic.twitter.com/FuhUk0xxW6
The fact that some regions of our country are more affected than others, is due to the fact that the lighter particles of the cloud rise to a maximum of 4,000 meters above sea level, which is why the Central Volcanic Mountain Range constitutes a natural barrier.
Heights such as that of Chirripó 3,820 meters above sea level or the Irazú volcano with 3,400 meters, prevent the passage of the largest amount of particles to the Pacific, thus affecting the Caribbean and the northern zone most.
The white haze that reduces visibility and clouds the mountains of the Central Valley is what filters through the La Palma pass, the Desengaño pass and other hollows between mountains.
The presence of this mass causes humidity and cloudiness to decrease, to generate a warm environment, slightly attenuated by the increase in winds.
For this year, as it is rainier, the effects of the veranillo de San Juan, a period of two dry days close June 24, was not expected to occur.
By chance, the presence of Saharan dust coincided with that date and since Tuesday, June 23 we see a significant reduction in rainfall.
According to the IMN, the presence of dust will be perceived the rest of the week.
For Sunday, the IMN expects the rains to return, as the dry effect of the cloud will have passed. In addition, on Sunday, tropical wave number 12 is expected.
However, Poleo said that behind that wave comes another less intense mass of dust from the Sahara, which is currently over Venezuela and that will arrive in Costa Rica sometime next week.
Marketing is a major area many students or fresh graduates wish to work in. The perks and glamour accompanying marketing makes marketing very appealing. The knowledge and skills required for a marketing job are, however, extensive and need real work. These are helpful tips to land your ideal marketing job.
Academics
Typically, most senior student and fresh graduates have a firm believe in a marketing degree. True, having a basic foundation of marketing principles is essential. However, college knowledge is barely enough in real job market. Indeed, in real world, many graduates, having college as a start point, are frustrated by requirements barely mentioned at college. Generally, “best marketing jobs forstudent,” “recent graduate marketing jobs,” and “good jobs for students in marketing” are common queries. Or, more desperately, “college graduate jobs,” “what to do after you graduatemarketing college,” and “how to market to college students.” If you’re still holding on to a college world while looking for a marketing job, you should stop looking. Indeed, marketing is a very dynamic and every changing function college education can barely keep up. That said, you need to build on your academic marketing knowledge by getting your feet wet. This does not mean you get an internship everyone already gets. This is not going to set you apart from anyone else. Instead, search carefully for jobs you’re going to really learn from. (More about learning later.) Even if you are going to get lowpaid or working for free, go ahead. Initially, you need to accumulate practical knowledge and skills in return for more rewards later. Particularly in marketing, you’ll need to try yourself in different functions you might not even have studied or learned about before. Unlike many jobs or functions, marketing is a unique combination of art, science and skills. This is something no academic education can offer you – nor one job at one company. So, diversify as much as you can and as early as you can in your marketing career. The knowledge, experience and skills you pick up as you work go a long way in your professional career. For great advice on putting your academics and knowledge into best use in marketing, check buy college papers for sale.
Analytics
Today, marketing is no longer a gut feeling job of an industry guru or a rising upstart. Indeed, marketing has developed so rapidly and radically in recent years many skills are required beyond conventional sets. Today, marketing is much more about numbers, big data, and analytics. In contrast to gut marketing, marketing informed by analytics is data-driven, accurate and revenue generating. In every subarea in marketing, numbers count. Given our current data-driven world, marketing is increasingly informed by insights pulled from vast pools of data. To do so, marketers now need numerous skills to crunch data and deliver value. That’s why, numbers are now more crucial in marketing. Think of a marketer who, using guts only, rolls out a product only to incur huge losses. This is a fairly common story now more disastrous if not supported by statistical analysis and number crunching. So, go ahead an enhance your knowledge and skills in analytics. Fill in any gaps you’ve got in your marketing skill set to be ready for current job market. The insights you’ll get learning crunching numbers will go far and beyond in your marketing career.
Communication and Branding
This is a no brainer in a marketing career. In addition to communication and branding you need do for marketing functions, you should, however, know how to market yourself. Indeed, many fresh graduates mistakenly believe having “adequate” marketing knowledge is enough to land a great marketing job. Ironically, such students are barely able to market themselves in job market. So, if you cannot market yourself, how are you supposed to market anything else? That’s why, getting to know bolts and nuts of self-branding are critical if you’re serious about a marketing career. In addition to well-crafted resume and cover letter, you need to know how to promote yourself online. Increasingly, employers are looking for candidates online. So, make sure you’re covered and your online presence reflects who you’re professionally and personally. Of course, professional networks, including LinkedIn, are becoming critical platforms to communicate and brand you. That said, you need to know self-branding requires a lot of work. You cannot simply create, say, a LinkedIn profile overnight and expect results. Be serious. Build your online profile at your own pace and carefully. Trust me, you’re going to reap amazing rewards later. Tips on establishing your professional persona and online presence can be found at https://resumethatworks.com/cv-editing-service. Networking
Network. Network, Network. Staring at a screen and fielding applications is not going to lead you anywhere. You need to mingle, associate and expand your network. This can happen only if you’re active in your job search or career enhancement. Even professional marketers network to connect to new opportunities, ideas and people. Indeed, marketing is a function networking helps grow immensely. How are you supposed to understand your customers if you don’t understand your own business as a marketer. There are so many ways you can connect and network. For one, you can check your local chamber of commerce or marketing association for different events and functions. You could also go to job fairs aimed at marketing and advertising jobs. Not least, you’ve got a vast online world, including LinkedIn, where you can connect and expand your network. If you’re not buying how or why networking is critical for marketing, you must know who you do work with could be indispensable in making your campaign successful. Despite not being applicable to all marketing functions, getting to know who makes, or influences, decisions is super important in marketing.
Constant Learning
This is again a no brainer. In a constant changing world and in a career such as marketing, constant learning is a must. Every single day, changes in market structures, consumer behavior and business dynamics make learning an ongoing process. Indeed, current business landscape puts pressure on marketers to pick up more skills and get into new niches to grow. The need for learning new marketing skills becomes more urgent given what marketers need to do now. Today, marketers need to have, in addition to marketing skills, design, web development and social media skills. To understand and engage customers, marketers need to level up. This can be done by joining a conventional classroom course or an online webinar. This is, again, an on going process. A course or a webinar a few months ago might be irrelevant few months later. So, always be ready learn – forever. Check WriteMyEssayForMe.co.uk for great learning resources.
Wrap-Up
If you are rolling up your sleeve for a marketing career, don’t rely on your college academics only. Today, marketing is a much more sophisticated function that requires you know analytics, communicate and self-brand, network, and constantly learn.
(QCOSTARICA) The Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Salas, during the Thursday noon press conference at Casa Presidencial, responded to the question of the reopening of the airports to international tourists with: “It’s not just around the corner”.
The question was put to the minister by a member of the press following the daily epidemiological report, of articles and press releases this week by the tourism sector, chambers of commerce, and including the ICT (tourism board) on the need to reactivate the arrival of foreign tourists.
On Wednesday, President Carlos Alvarado assured a firm date to resume tourist flights would come this week.
The current restrictions on the arrival of foreign tourists, unless expanded, expire on June 30.
(QCOSTARICA) We have definitely left double-digit numbers behind in the daily COVID-19 case update. This Thursday, June 25, the Ministry of Health reported 169 new infections.
The data surpassed the record of 119 new cases last Friday and the 147 new cases Wednesday; with the accumulated infections reaching 2,684 since the first case on March 6.
Dr. Daniel Salas, the Minister of Health, stood alone in the Thurdsay presser from Casa Presidencial
The virus is also now present in 79 of the 82 cantons in the country, leaving few areas without a reported case.
Despite the quick accumulation of cases in the past weeks, the good news is that hospitalizations have remained stable, in fact, this Thursday the Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, reported a drop from Wednesday 30 to today’s 29.
Of those, 6 are in intensive care. The number of deaths remains ar 12 (9 men and 3 women), the last death recorded on June 10.
Although the Minister recognized that there is again an increase in new cases, he highlighted the efforts that the country is making to face the pandemic of the new coronavirus.
In this sense, he highlighted the “good behavior” of soccer fans, after Wednesday night’s final between Saprissa and Alajuelense, giving a “thank you” where it is merited, not for him, but for each one of us.
“We are doing everything possible to contain the increase in cases, but in the midst of the Central American and Latin American context, we continue to be a country of privilege in the midst of the pandemic,” he added.
New District on Orange Alert
The district of San Rafael de Guatuso de Alajuela joins the communities on orange alert, which implies special conditions for business opening and vehicle restriction.
Los Chiles, La Fortuna and some towns in Florencia de San Carlos, Peñas Blancas de San Ramón, Paquera de Puntarenas, the entire canton of Upala and Pococí are already under that category. In the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) are Desamparados, Alajuelita and the district of Pavas.
In all those locations on orange alert, the sanitary vehicle restriction ranges from 5 am to 5:00 pm, both for vehicles and for commerce.
The main concern of the health authorities is the possibility that there will be community transmission in these sites, that is, that the trail of the cases can no longer be tracked, which would cause further spread.
That suspicion motivated personnel from the Ministry of Health and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) to start a tracking operation on Thursday in the Pavas district, San José, where there is evidence of community transmission.
Pavas under the microscope
Pavas has neighborhoods with very different characteristics, in addition to an active commercial area.
The characteristics of the district range from home to some of Costa Rica’s most vulnerable, including living in shantytowns, to a large productive middle class, and exclusive living. In the district there also many foreign embassies located, including the U.S. Embassy.
Reopening of airports
Dr. Salas was alone on Thursday, providing the epidemiological report and fielding questions from the press.
On the question of the opening of the airports, the Minister, without giving details, answered: “It’s not just around the corner”.
The current border restrictions, unless expanded, expire on June 30. On Wednesday, President Carlos Alvarado said a firm date on the reopening of the airports to international tourists will be made known this week.
(QCOSTARICA) Costa Rica is under a “yelllow alert” for the coronavirus pandemic, which, save for the cantons and districts elevated to an “orange alert”, entails a vehicular restriction from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm weekdays and 7:00 pm weekends, limited commercial activity and continued closures for some.
While hotels have been allowed to reopen, at 50% capacity, the beaches remain open only between 5:00 am and 8:00 pm. Phase 3 is expected to start this weekend (postponed from last) that will see malls, retail stores, and restaurants, among others, also open on weekends.
If all goes well, we could learn today or tomorrow, as promised by Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado, on Wednesday, a firm date for the reopening of the airports to international tourists, which could be as early as July 1.
Cantons and districts under the orange alert, however, have stricter restrictions, such as vehicular restrictions from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, which force even greater limits on commercial activity.
The latest of areas under “orange” alert
The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, has warned us over and over and over about the need to be socially responsible to contain the spread of the COVID-19, to wash our hands, maintain social distancing, stay at home unless absolutely necessary and not break the social bubble, and more, not a time to hold large parties.
On Saturday, June 27, the mandatory use of a facemask or face shields in public spaces goes into effect. Masks are to be worn indoors, such as banks and when using public transportation, among others.
Community transmission or contagion is inevitable, but the effect can be minimized, if we are careful, even though we will have a higher number of cases than what we were accustomed to in the March, April and May, the levels may exceed those of this month. Infection, though a concern, what matters is the number of people requiring hospitalization and care in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Community contagion occurs when it is no longer possible to trace the origin of virus transmission, that is, when there is no epidemiological link to identify how a person was infected.
So far, the number of deaths have been low compared to other countries, a total of 12 (9 men and 3 women), the last death recorded on June 10. As of yesterday, 30 people were being cared for in hospital, five of which are in intensive care.
But, what if we lose control and the hand of authorities is forced to upgrade the alert level to “red”? What will that mean?
As Dr. Daniel Salas has explained, that if the country reaches this stage, “the level of restriction would be the maximum possible.”
What does “maximum possible” mean?
Dr. Salas has not given specifics, leaving us only to speculate what could be and what will not.
For one, I can foresee a total lockdown. Unlike some countries in the world, Costa Rica never ordered a stay at home, only recommendation. As I have written in the past, Costa Rican authorities know well the Tico mentality, and that policing and enforcing such an order would be an impossibility, so you hit hard where it can hurt the most, take away the car.
As the daily numbers prove, though there has been a reduction in traffic congestion, fewer cars on the road, most respect the vehicular restrictions, from 100 – 200 drivers are fined and have their license plates seized for violation.
The borders would be closed. Contrary to popular opinion, the land, sea, and air borders have been only restricted, banning foreigners from entering; Costa Ricans and foreigner residents (if they didn’t leave after March 24) could arrive; and everyone, anyone, could leave.
The weak link in that restriction has been the northern border, it has impeded many foreigners from entering, but not all.
Going to the supermarket will be limited to one or two days a week, based on the last digit of the cedula, residency, or passport for foreigners in the country. Pharmacies, clinics will be open, but can’t see getting a haircut, getting nails done, or getting your car serviced.
Even, the use of masks or mouth covers could be ordered in any public space, such as in Pavas, where the use is mandatory even when just going out for a walk.
The levels of Alert: Green (Information), Yellow (Preparedness), Orange (Mobilization or Containment), Red (Evacuation and Response). See more at CNE Alertas. The alert system was developed to allow people to be informed, prepared themselves for an eventual calamity, ie landslide, earthquake, flooding, etc, and red, time to act. Orange was introduced last month in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
I believe, if we are going to come out of this anytime soon, we have to play our part in this social responsibility, to avoid, at all costs, a red alert.
(QCOSTARICA) A woman, Andrea Diaz (#liberenandreadiaz), was arrested Wednesday, June 24, near the Tamarindo beach, in Guanacaste, for inciting a demonstration to request the reopening of the beaches, despite the sanitary restriction that prevents her and others from being on the beach after 8:00 am.
Around a dozen people were at the demonstration, according to the Ministerio de Seguridad Publica (MSP) – Ministry of Security – the Fuerza Publica (National Police) intervened to remind those present of the sanitary measures in force at this time and the impossibility of crowding into that sector.
In accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, currently, access to beaches across the country is only allowed from 5:00 am and 8:00 am.
“Despite the warning notice, the leader of the movement, a woman, surnamed Díaz, continued with the demonstration and incitement, for which she was arrested for disobedience and flagrantly passed,” the MSP reported.
The canton of Santa Cruz, where Playa Tamarindo is located, currently has 4 active cases of coronavirus.
For several weeks, union organizations led by the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) have been asking the government to immediately open the beaches, since in their opinion it is “illogical that hotels are open and their clients cannot go (to the beach).”
“Decision-makers in this country do not know how tourism operates, so decisions are made that have no logic, such as authorizing the opening of a beach hotel, but closing them at 8 in the morning. These decisions are made out of ignorance not understanding how the sector works,” said former vice president of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), Bary Roberts, days ago.
(Daily Mail) The CEO of Airbnb says that as a result of the coronavirus pandemic ‘travel as we knew it is over – and it’s never coming back’.
Brian Chesky, who co-founded the holiday rental site in 2008, believes that there will be a ‘redistribution of where people travel… instead of to only a few cities, to thousands of local communities’.
He also revealed how deeply the pandemic affected his business, that ‘we spent 12 years building Airbnb’s business and lost almost all of it in a matter of four to six weeks’.
Mr Chesky made the remarks during an interview with Deirdre Bosa on U.S news channel CNBC.
He was upbeat about the market – ‘it’s resilient’ – and pointed out that ‘Airbnb has more hosts now than before the start of the Covid-19 crisis’ and had the same volume of bookings in the U.S in May and early June as the year before ‘without any marketing’.
But he stressed that while travel will come back, ‘it’s going to take a lot longer than what we thought’ and that it is ‘going to be different’.
He said: ‘People don’t want to get on airplanes… they don’t want to go to cities, they don’t want to cross borders.
‘What they are willing to do is get in a car and drive a couple of hundred miles to a small community where they are willing to stay in a house.
‘People are yearning for a connection. They want to be connected to each other, to communities, they want to get outside.’
Earlier this month Airbnb unveiled a list of the 10 most wish-listed UK properties since lockdown began on March 23.
The ranking includes a forest lodge in Stoke-on-Trent, an oak cabin in Hemel Hempstead and a windmill in Kent.
The list, says Airbnb, reveals that Britons are particularly keen on stays in idyllic surrounds once travel is back on the agenda, with 70 per cent of the list made up of lodges, cabins and glamping options.
(EXPAT FOCUS) Let’s talk about Costa Rica instead of ranting about how bad it is “back home.” It’s easy to get carried away prognosticating about America and how bad things are there now and projecting even worse for the future.
The situation is not improving… it is not getting better and more and more people are saying “what the hell, just let a few old people die…It’s worth it to get back to normal.”
The countries that handled the situation correctly are recovering… those who didn’t… well, let’s see how a second wave looks.
The biggest problem of all is that no one really knows what to believe any longer. That ain’t gonna change for a long, long time.
Back to Costa Rica.
No one likes the mandatory lockdowns, closures, and lack of tourists but guidelines and rules are, for the most part, being followed. There is very little complaining even though a substantial number of the population is currently “out of work” and without a paycheck.
Schools are closed and everything now is virtual… but there are very few smiles these days and it is becoming tedious, boring, and certainly no fun for anyone.
But everyone accepts the rules. “It is what it is.” No strikes, no violence, no rioting.
Is Costa Rica “that different?”
Most of us know that teachers in Costa Rica and taxi drivers go on strike… and they have their own unions and they almost always get concessions when the strike because the country cannot live without their services… AND because it is accepted.
But… other than most Costa Ricans being more passive and less angry… more easy going… no one can really predict what will happen if the borders remain closed for “too long”… and no, no one can predict what “too long” means. There are virtually no “subsidies” here and no help from the government monetarily.
In fact, the opposite is the case… the government monetarily is in crisis mode, virtually being unable to borrow additional funds to keep the very doors open ( its bonds were recently downgraded to the lowest possible investment grade last week )… and it is raising prices and taxes wherever possible… but the problem is that most people cannot even afford to eat. So the extra charges on water and electric as well as other taxes will essentially go unpaid.
But one of the biggest unspoken fears is Nicaragua.
No… not the fear of being invaded or even primarily of infections from across the border. The real question is “ when it comes time to pick the sugar cane or coffee or tend the crops, WHO will do it?”
Exports are a huge part of the country’s income… but Nicaragua provides nearly all of the manual labor to keep the wheels turning.
No one has an answer yet for this one. Without the income from tourism and exports… the country loses a substantial amount of its revenues.
Will crime increase? Will the borders open soon? Will there be a substitute for workers from Nicaragua or will they be allowed to enter and resume work with an examination of health? Will the government be forced to borrow additional funds forcing them into even more concessions… either from traditional sources OR from China?
Will there be an increase in crime as many predict? We have already seen hints of it happening. Will many of the expats leave as prices are being raised and crime is increasing… and take their money with them?
And lastly… will the people of Costa Rica demonstrate for an end to the lockdowns, the lack of money and an unsure future? … like much of the rest of the world?
Latin Finance – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has granted US$400 million in financing for Panama and US$250 million for Costa Rica to help counteract the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the two countries.
Both loans are in line with a rapid financing program approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in April to cover emergency healthcare costs and contribute to macroeconomic stability in the medium term, the IDB said in separate press releases on Monday.
To receive the money, the Panamanian government agreed to implement measures to ensure a stable balance of payments and a sustainable public debt-to-GDP ratio. It also agreed consented to “ensure fiscal sustainability” after the healthcare crisis is over, the IDB said.
Costa Rica also agreed to lower debt and promote competitiveness in the country as a requisite for the loan, according to the IDB.
The two seven-year loans carry an interest rate based on Libor and come with a three-year grace period, the IDB said.
The IMF approved roughly US$515 million in emergency funding for Panama in mid-April to handle the coronavirus emergency and fill part of a US$3.7 billion gap in the balance of payments. In late March, the country sold US$2.5 billion worth of 36-year notes, which allowed it divert funds from the budget to deal with the pandemic.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, Costa Rica issued US$1.5 billion in 11-year bonds in November last year to ease financing pressures for the first quarter this year. It also discussed a stand-by agreement with the IMF to take off more pressure. Now the country plans to borrow up to US $3.18 billion from multilateral lenders in 2020, equal to 5.2% of GDP, according to a report published in May by Fitch Ratings.
The IDB also said on Monday that it approved a US$12 million loan for a 12-week cash transfer program for unemployed people in Belize with an emphasis on workers in the tourism sector.
Tourism accounts for roughly 40% of employment in Belize, but 95% of companies in the sector have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the IDB.
Matador Network – Visiting Costa Rica for the first time can be a bit confusing, even if you speak Spanish. You’ll hear the words “Pura Vida” everywhere — as a greeting from a friend, in appreciation of a meal, as a thank you, and even as a reaction to one of its spectacular sunsets.
The term, which translates directly to “pure life,” beautifully sums up the soul of Costa Rica — a culture that values the small things and a simple way of living. More of a philosophy than a colloquialism, Pura Vida can be felt while exploring the country’s diverse rainforests and taking in the jaw-dropping waterfall views.
The beautiful thing about Pura Vida is that you don’t need to be a Costa Rica native to live out this philosophy. Here are the five simple practices of Pura Vida to incorporate into your daily routine for an enhanced state of wellbeing.
1. Take care of your environment.
While Costa Rica’s general attitude is one of bliss and the lack of pressure, the Central American nation is draconian when it comes to upholding its environmental protection rules. As the country is home to five percent of the planet’s biodiversity, locals do their best to support the land. Costa Rica is relentless in its efforts toward sustainability, banning single-use plastics and reusing and recycling materials. For example, it’s rare to see plastic cups, plates, utensils, or straws even when you order takeout. Due to a major push by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, plastic has been replaced with reusable alternatives, often made of bamboo.
2. Fuel your body with nutritious food.
Pura Vida radiates from within. If you want to be the human embodiment of zen, you need to fuel yourself properly. Costa Rica believes in a farm-to-table mentality, growing various fruit, vegetables, and crops in its fertile volcanic soil.
The staples you’re most likely to find in a local’s fridge are seasonal produce such as mango, papaya, corn, beans, and tortillas. A Costa Rican pantry is always stocked with at least one type of coffee, which is a big part of the local diet as the country is the home to hundreds of coffee bean farms.
Costa Rica has a different approach to “fast food.” A popular dish you’ll see everywhere is the casado — a tasty plate of vegetables, black beans, white rice, and meat. A serving goes for about $4 at a local roadside restaurant.
3. Keep in touch with family and friends.
A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just come down to food. As one of the world’s five Blue Zones, Costa Rica is the home to many centenarians. The locals prioritize spending time with one another, ideally in person or via video chat, crediting this as one of the key elements for a long life. That mindset extends beyond immediate family, spilling over to the local community where it’s common practice for neighbors to drop by each other’s house after work to chat and crack open a cold beer.
4. Get your vitamin D in as often as possible.
We all know that the sun is a major mood booster, yet, vitamin D never seems to make it to the top of our priority list. One of Pura Vida’s pillars is making an active effort to get lots of sunshine often. Of course, soaking up rays is easy if you live on the lush Osa Peninsula surrounded by beaches and access to ample hiking routes. But regardless of the location, Pura Vida advocates for choosing activities like walking, canyoning, swimming, and surfing over indoor pastimes, such as watching Netflix.
5. Meditate and do your affirmations.
Of course, it’s not sustainable to be positive 24/7, but the Pura Vida philosophy makes a point to focus on the good as often as possible by practicing gratitude and affirmations. The process is simple: take out a sheet of paper; write everything you’re grateful for that day, which can be as small as a poppyseed bagel; then, lay out your positive affirmations — the aspects you most love about yourself and your life. Fitting in daily meditation to acknowledge how you feel is a plus. Pura Vida is not only a celebration of the good in life. The philosophy encapsulates all aspects of human existence and the need to recognize and honor our low points as we do our triumphs.
Edward Sanchez, a Costa Rica local and tour guide with decades of experience sums it up for Matador Network, “When you open your eyes every morning, you’re alive, so you have a chance to change things. Even when I have problems I’d say Pura Vida because it’s a new day and the best way to live is authentic.”
(QCOSTARICA) The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT – Costa Rican Tourism Board – reported on Wednesday, June 24, that it will arrange for the government to resume tourist flights starting July 1, first with European countries and, later, with Canada.
The empty arrivals hall at the San Jose airport (SJO).
The ICT explained that this restart of flights would be carried out with the application of strict and differentiated sanitary controls, including the use of a digital epidemiological form that is already being used in repatriation flights.
According to the ICT, airlines such as American, Delta, United, Iberia, Lufthansa, Edelweiss, JetBlue and Spirit have not only already reported their interest in reopening services to Costa Rica, but some of them are selling tickets for the month of July.
“The opening of the three international airports, the Juan Santamaría (SJO) in San Jose, the Daniel Oduber (LIR) in Liberia and the Tobías Bolaños (SYQ) in Pavs, has been respectfully requested, both for flights with established itineraries, as well as private, from July 1, 2020, in a phased, controlled and gradual manner,” Detailed the ICT, in a press release.
The ICT also stated that, on June 22, it requested a meeting with President Carlos Alvarado, and other officials, to raise concerns.
The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, has repeated on several occasions that the reopening to international tourists will be very gradual, controlled and with countries where the incidence of the coronavirus is lower when taking this measure.
Salas has repeatedly referred to the issue in consultation during the daily conference where he reports on the situation of the pandemic.
At Wednesday’s noon presser, President Alvarado said a firm date to reopen the airports to tourists will be announced this week.
The ICT joins the clamor of the private tourism sector, such as the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) and the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (CCH), who say that postponing the July 1 date will profoundly affect the sector and could lead to the loss of competitiveness with other destinations.
“The opening should take place under strict health controls at airports and thus try to take advantage of the months of July and August, in which many tourists from Europe and Canada come to enjoy their summer vacations on Costa Rican soil,” emphasized the ICT.
Alberto López, general manager of the ICT, explained that the State agency took relevant steps for strict sanitary control of the opening of the air terminals.
He assured that they have summoned both the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and the managers of both airports, the Ministry of Health, the National Insurance Institute (INS), the Foreign Ministry, the General Directorate of Immigration and the private sector, and the Association of Airlines (ALA), to work on the reopening of airports and to attend to the different topics requested by the relevant authorities.
These calls, explained López, were made through the office of the Minister of Tourism, Revelo and by the executive working table of ICT airlines (made up of the Tourism Sector Roadmap) and the general management of ICT.
The aspects analyzed for these advances include the traceability of the contacts that tourists will have, the concern about the cost of the eventual hospitalization of international visitors who may contract the COVID-19 or who, during their stay in the country, have to comply a quarantine in case of contracting the virus.
López reported that the ICT Board of Directors approved an agreement, in the June 15 session, according to which if international tourism was not reactivated for the months of July and August, the survival of many “mipymes” (micro, small, and medium-sized tourist companies) dependent on foreign markets is threatened.
The ICT manager also assured that medium and large companies warned of an eventual postponement of its reopening until November, if the easing of measures is delayed. Such a decision would have a negative impact on employment since it would imply a consequent extension of contract suspensions, layoffs and the application of partial work days.
Iberia airline's A346 taking off at the Juan Santamaria International airport (SJO)
(QCOSTARICA) President Carolos Alvarado said on Wednesday that this week a firm date will be announced for the return of international tourism to Costa Rica.
The President assured that in the face of the “worrying” record number of cases, a balance is sought between the protection of health and the economy.
“While we are going to continue protecting the health of Costa Ricans, we will continue to advance in a studied, calculated and calibrated way, with the openings of our economic part,” he said.
Under the concept of “martillo y baile” (hammer and dance), President Alvarado said the country will continue its economic reopening in the areas where it is appropriate. “We will continue to advance in a studied and calibrated economic reopening,” he said.
That opening includes the reopening of airports to international tourists.
Though he did not give a date, and perhaps taking cue from the various business sectors and calls for a plan, he assured that a specific date will be announced this week.
Earlier this week, Health Minister Daniel Salas hinted at was is to come, but with a caveat. “It’s not that we’re going to open borders and welcome the number of flights that we had before the pandemic. We will open borders allowing for people to come from countries where there isn’t a magnified transmission.”
Tourism accounts for 8% of Costa Rica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
CORRECTION: The original report stated 174 new cases. The correct number is 147.
(QCOSTARICA) A record 147 confirmed cases in 24 hrs of the COVID-19 was reported Wednesday by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Salas, during the noonday press conference from Casa Presidencial.
Since the first day in June, cases have been piling. Gone were the days of April when daily cases were less than 30, dropping to less than 20 and on many days less than 10 in May. In fact, at the end of May, the accumulated cases of COVID-19 were 1,056.
Then June came along. Restrictive measures were relaxed, including the circulation of vehicles to 10 pm, and more economic activity was allowed to resume. On June 3 a record 52 cases were reported, surpassed on June 7 with 55 and then a never imagined 86 cases on June 10.
On June 19, a reported 119 cases forced authorities to take back the announced phase 3 reopening to have occurred on June 20 and stricter restrictions for the weekend, instead of the anticipated Father’s Day shopping weekend.
But the highest so far was Wednesday, with 147 new cases, for a total accumulated of 2,515. That is 1,459 new cases for the month.
Another record is the 30 patients hospitalized, of which five are in intensive care.
The increase has also meant more cantons and districts added to the list under an orange alert, on Wednesday, Corredores made the list.
Balance
President Carlos Alvarado took the podium on Wednesday, assuring that in the face of this “worrying” record number of cases, a balance is sought between the protection of health and the economy.
“While we are going to continue protecting the health of Costa Ricans, we will continue to advance in a studied, calculated and calibrated way, with the openings of our economic part,” he said.
That is achieved, he said, under the concept of “martillo y baile” (hammer and dance).
“Thus, in the affected localities, where epidemiological information determines that restrictive measures such as those announced have to be applied, the hammer is applied, with greater closure and containment for the protection of health, but there are other areas where it is not the case, there are areas of the country where the number of infections is very low compared to other parts. In these areas, progress can be made provided the information so provides.
“With the openings, (there will be) always strictly following the protocols, hygiene measures, taking care of physical distance and so on, under this strategy we will advance in this third phase as we had scheduled the openings. It will always be done under the information of science, data that the Ministry of Health, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund and the National Emergency Commission have,” he declared.
In the remainder of the week, the implementation of the strategy in different regions will be announced. Also, he said, a specific date will be set for the resumption of commercial and tourist flights.
On the “humanitarian corridor” or refuge for 13,000 Nicaraguans, that has been the subject of speculation the last couple of days, President Alvarado was emphatic that “its not convenient for Costa Rica’ and despite self-serving reports and fake news, it will not happen.
One of the smartest guys I know told me this last week. Given that so many other countries are having horrible times with their quarantines, lockdowns and disagreements about almost everything… it seems only logical that Costa Rica is too, right?
I hear about the lack of tourists and how it is killing the economy… and why can’t the President just “open it up” like most other countries are doing.
I hear increasingly more complaints like “the virus only kills mainly old people, so isn’t it worth it to open the country’s doors again so that everyone can get back to work?” Sure… old people don’t count, right…they’re almost dead anyway.
I listen to “the country is broke and can’t even borrow any more money to keep operating.”
“Almost no one has a job… and most people can’t even afford to feed their families.”
“I’m sick of being cooped up… we have the right to be outside.”
“What is going to happen when we have no one to pick, our crops? We won’t even have food to eat.”
“I’m going to lose my car… I’ve already missed four payments.”
“There are no jobs anywhere. How can I feed my family?”
The complaints never stop.
BUT WAIT…
My name is Randy Berg and my wife and I live in Costa Rica. The complaints you read?
They are from expats and those “stranded” in Costa Rica… who tell me that these are the complaints they hear.
They are not real… We talk to our neighbors, my daughter and grandsons who live in Costa Rica…. We talk to others who are Costa Rican… most who have lost their jobs and really don’t have any money and truly are having a tough time.
And they are like us… they hate being cooped up… the kids actually miss going to school and seeing their friends… and playing soccer…
And their parents… they miss seeing the kids grow up instead of being cooped inside… and they miss their own parents who are also under quarantine…
And all of the complaining, bitching, and whining…?
You don’t hear it from Ticos…
It comes from expats and gringos ( North Americans ) … and those are their complaints about “the way it is back home”. It’s overwhelming and it is creating divisions and anger like almost never before.
My wife and I honestly don’t know of anyone “back home” who is handling the pandemic with a calm head and is showing absolutely NO side effects. Too many people I talk to online are damn near ready to have a breakdown.
Fact.
And the country has encountered riots, looting, deaths… not to mention the most unhappiness possibly ever. Everyone I know complains about how horrible everyday life is “back home.”
Not here… Not in Costa Rica. And yet… many of the expats, instead of simply enjoying the beauty of the country AND the attitude of the Costa Ricans themselves… continue to complain online and take their unhappiness to others.
Costa Rica does not act the way other countries do. They do not whine and complain… They do not tell others how horrible and stupid the government is. They agree with what the government has chosen to do… which is to take the scientific way to combat the pandemic… and the only that has ever proven successful.
And instead of arguing… and saying that they have a RIGHT to be on their own beaches whenever they choose… And instead of asking the government WHEN it will be better and complaining about “the way it is…”… They accept it.
Not because they are mindless robots or because they are simply passive… No… it is because they trust their government that it is the right thing to do. No, they don’t like what is happening…
But they accept it and they know that what is being done is the right and only course of action to take.
It is Costa Rica.
It fits right in with the beauty of the country and its surroundings… It is all part of what “pura vida” means… And even if we can’t see it… What the country is doing is the right thing. Take a hard look.
I am so damn glad I am here instead of being in the midst of arguments, whining, and wall to wall unhappiness and anger.
This is Costa Rica. Accept it… it is part of what Costa Rica stands for.
Oh yeah, I will be criticized to hell and gone for this post. But, one thing, I am definitely not one of those guys who sees nothing but good in the “land of pura vida”…I am definitely not a “Pollyanna” who can only see positives about Costa Rica…
What I write here is my reality… don’t just accept that Costa Rica is really “going to hell in a handbasket”… like most other countries.
It’s not.
Costa Rica is doing the right thing for its citizens and for the country as a whole.
Rico’s Covid-19 Digest – Tuesday, the Ministry of Health announced the mandatory use of masks in enclosed places, public transit, and more. The reaction on social networks is divided, many taking a stand on not wearing masks during a global pandemic.
I have personally been wearing a mask from day one, making my own when I found it impossible to buy one. I still don’t go out without my bottle of alcohol gel, gloves and my mask.
I can only hope that this “masks are bad” sentiment will not be the cause of infections, illness and deaths. Or moving forward to reopening the country economically and that includes the arrival of tourists.
In the beginning, I was ridiculed, teased, made fun of by my group of knowns. “What are you afraid of?” was one of the first questions. Even at the BAC I was asked to pull down my mask “for the cameras”. I am glad that day I didn’t wear my ‘bandido’ mask. On my later visits, no problem with wearing a mask, somehow, technology had caught with the BAC and their camera could now tell it was me behind the mask.
My bandito mask. A little overboard.
On Monday, the Banco Nacional has made wearing a mask mandatory in their branches. Yesterday, Tuesday, the Ministry of Health announced the mandatory use of masks in banks as of Saturday, June 27.
At the supermarket, it was a chore at the beginning to wear a mask. It was uncomfortable, a pain in general. Many didn’t wear one then. Now it is much more common, more people wearing masks than not.
I can’t stress the need to wear a mask in these worst of times. For yourself, for me.
The following was posted on social media and I want to share it with you.
A doctor sent this and it makes sense to me. I spent the past 39 years working in the field of surgery. For a significant part of that time, I have worn a mask. I have worked with hundreds (probably thousands) of colleagues during those years, who have also worn masks. Not a single one us of became ill passed out or died from lack of oxygen. Not a single one of us became ill, passed out or died from breathing too much carbon dioxide. Not a single one us of became ill, passed out or died from rebreathing a little of our own exhaled air. Let’s begin here by putting those scare tactics to rest!
(It is true that some people, with advanced lung diseases, may be so fragile that a mask could make their already-tenuous breathing more difficult. If your lungs are that bad, you probably shouldn’t be going out in public at the present time anyway; the consequences, if you are exposed to Covid-19, would likely be devastating.)
“But”, you ask, “can’t viruses go right through the mask, because they are so small?” (“Masks keep viruses out just as well as a chain-link fence keeps mosquitoes out,” some tell us..) It is true that individual virus particles can pass through the pores of a mask; however, viruses don’t move on their own. They do not fly across the room like a mosquito, wiggle through your mask like a worm, or fly up your nose like a gnat.
The virus is essentially nothing more than a tiny blob of genetic material. Covid-19 travels in a CARRIER – the carrier is a fluid droplet- fluid droplets that you expel when you cough, sneeze, sing, laugh, talk or simply exhale. Most of your fluid droplets will be stopped from entering the air in the room if you are wearing a mask.
Wearing a mask is a very efficient way to protect others if you are carrying the virus (even if you don’t know that you are infected). In addition, if someone else’s fluid droplets happen to land on your mask, many of them will not pass through. This gives the wearer some additional protection, too. But, the main reason to wear a mask is to PROTECT OTHERS.
Even if you don’t care about yourself, wear your mask to protect your neighbors, co-workers and friends!
A mask is certainly not 100% protective. However, it appears that the severity of Covid-19 infection is at least partially “dose-dependent.” In other words, the more virus particles that enter your body, the sicker you are likely to become. Why not decrease that volume if you can?
“What have you got to lose?!”
“But doesn’t a requirement or a request to wear a mask violate my constitutional rights?”
You’re also not allowed to go into the grocery store if you are not wearing pants. You can’t yell “fire” in the Produce Department. You’re not allowed to urinate on the floor in the Frozen Food Section. Do you object to those restrictions?
Rules, established for the common good, are components of a civilized society.
“But aren’t masks uncomfortable?” Some would say that underwear or shoes can be uncomfortable, but we still wear them. (Actually, being on a ventilator is pretty darned uncomfortable, too!) Are masks really so bad that you can’t tolerate them, even if they will help keep others healthy?
“But won’t people think I’m a snowflake or a wimp if I wear a mask?” I hope you have enough self-confidence to overcome that.
“But won’t I look stupid if I wear a mask?” I’ve decided not to dignify that question with an answer!!:)
“But I never get sick; I’m not worried.” Well, then, wear a mask for the sake of the rest of us who are not so perfect!
There is good evidence that masks make a real difference in diminishing the transmission of Covid-19. Please, for the sake of others (and for the sake of yourself), wear your mask when in public. It won’t kill you!
P.S. – And, by the way, please be sure that BOTH your nose and mouth are covered!
Recommendations around mask usage are confusing. The science isn’t. Evidence shows that masks are extremely effective to slow the coronavirus and may be the best tool available right now to fight it.
(QCOSTARICA) To avoid what happened last weekend, on Father’s Day, the government promised to announce any eventual changes to the reopening schedule no later than Thursday, and not at the last minute as it happened last Friday.
We can only hope that this week’s announcement won’t be a flipflop of last week, one day saying one thing, taking it most it back within 24 hours, leaving the business sector holding the proverbials.
Julio Castilla, president of the Chamber of Commerce (Cámara de Comercio)
This is one of the agreements reached Tuesday night at a meeting between representatives of different business chambers and the government’s economic team.
This weekend, phase three of the opening should begin to apply as anticipated by Health Minister Daniel Salas, which would imply opening of malls, retail shops and restaurants on weekends, among others.
According to Julio Castilla, president of the Chamber of Commerce, it was also agreed to hold a monthly meeting to analyze the progress of COVID-19 in the country, among other points.
Of course, there is a commitment from the private sector to comply with all sanitary measures.
“This weekend phase three begins, but Minister Daniel Salas would have until Thursday to communicate something relevant to this phase, if necessary,” added Castilla.
The commercial sector calculates a loss of ¢10 billion colones by the commercial sector on the government’s flip flop last weekend.
Authorities are quick to respond that the police action last weekend was not to be a killjoy, spoil people’s fun, rather to control the spread of contagion.
(QTRAVEL) The plan of the European Union is to reopen its borders on July 1, and for the first time since the closure as the coronavirus pandemic in March, allowing in some travelers.
However, Americans may not be among them arrivals as the EU is considering barring Americans because the United States has not adequately controlled the spread of COVID-19, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.
Travelers from other countries, such as from Brazil and Russia would also be blocked from entering EU countries under the lists, according to The NY Times.
The US has had more than 2.3 million coronavirus cases and 120,000 deaths, more than any other country, despite Donald Trump’s claims that the US’s outbreak is under control.
In early March, the U.S. barred travel from much of Europe, citing outbreaks in northern Italy, Germany, and elsewhere in the European Union. The prohibition has not been lifted, even as Europe has largely contained its outbreaks.
The EU border closure in March applied to visitors from most countries outside the bloc, not specifically Americans. However, the new ban, expected to be announced before July 1, calls out several countries specifically that have handled outbreaks poorly and seen increases in cases.
The NY Times says that countries identified as safe on the draft lists were selected based on several objective criteria, such as the average number of new infections per 100,000 people over the past two weeks.
For the EU, that number is 16. For the US, it’s 107, The NY Times said.
Brazil’s average number of infections per 100,000 people over the past two weeks is 190, and Russia’s is 80, according to The NY Times, adding that the list would be revisited every two weeks based on new case count.
A finalized list is set to be presented next week, according to The NY Times. However, EU’s member states will not be required to adopt it, but those that don’t could see internal borders imposed or even closed to prevent people from crossing.
"We knew that unemployment was going to increase, but this is not an issue of the pandemic, in recent years there is an outstanding debt in terms of employment with Costa Ricans," said Karine Niño, deputy head of the National Liberation fraction. Courtesy / The Republic.
(QCOSTARICA) The inability of the Carlos Alvarado government to boost the economy is the reason why unemployment shot up to 15.7% and not the coronavirus pandemic, according to opposition legislators.
“We knew that unemployment was going to increase, but this is not an issue of the pandemic, in recent years there is an outstanding debt in terms of employment with Costa Ricans,” said legislator Karine Niño. Photo La Republica
To blame the pandemic’s health emergency is to want to hide the truth since before the Coronavirus, the country was fighting against historical unemployment rates, according to a bloc of legislators, of the latest report that indicates more than 379.000 people with jobs in Costa Rica, which represents an increase of more than 3 percentage points in relation to the last measurement released by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC).
“We knew that unemployment was going to increase, but this is not a matter of the pandemic, in recent years there is an outstanding debt in terms of employment with Costa Ricans,” said legislators Karine Niño, head of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN).
In this sense, legislators demand a work agenda or an action plan, which, until now, is non-existent.
“From the (Legislative) Assembly we have raised various initiatives to a deaf government. How many more people crying out for help do you need for Don Carlos to listen?” Said Pedro Muñoz, legislator for the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC).
For decades the PLN and PUSC alternated governing Costa Rica.
Cutting public spending, giving extensions tax payments, investing in infrastructure and simplifying procedures are some of the constant demands of the productive sector and of legislators.
Meanwhile, the government was pleased last week that COVID-19 did not generate a further increase in unemployment.
There would be many more people who would be out of work, instead of the 379,000 if the employment protection law had not been approved, is the assurance from the government.
15.7% is considered as high, but more than 200,000 people keep their jobs thanks to measures to reduce the workday and temporarily suspend the contract, the government counters the arguments of opposition legislators.
“Although their income has been affected, their jobs have not disappeared,” said Geannina Dinarte, Minister of Labor.
Opposition lawmakers questioned the government’s alleged mismanagement and its inaction to create jobs.
Ivonne Acuña, an independent legislator, said “I feel very indignant at the declarations of a President of the Republic who once again shows his pride, making invisble more than 350,000 families with unemployment and turning a deaf ear to the clamor of the productive sectors.”
Karine Niño, said “We knew that unemployment was going to increase, but this is not a matter of the pandemic, in recent years there is an outstanding debt in terms of employment with Costa Ricans. However, we still do not have a clear economic path. And meanwhile, they just tell us “I can’t be done.”
Pedro Muñoz, PUSC legislator, Deputy “Finding a balance between health and economy is no longer a matter of “reactivation” but of survival.”
Jonathan Garments, legislator for the Neuva Republica, said “In Nueva Republica we estimate that unemployment exceeds 20% and affected are more than 500,000 people; The INEC survey was carried out when the impact of the COVID-19 was just beginning. This is not just the result of the pandemic, but of the lousy administration of the current government.”
(QCOSTARICA) Within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations (UN) system prepared a Medical Evacuation Plan that guarantees the evacuation of the organization’s officials to countries where the risk and management of the health crisis has demonstrated a reaction of excellence in the face of the pandemic.
“Costa Rica has been recognized by the United Nations as one of the places in Latin America and the Caribbean with the necessary health infrastructure to attend to any case of humanitarian evacuation within the context of COVID-19,” indicates the Foreign Ministry.
Within this plan, all transportation, hospitalization and treatment expenses are borne by the UN and in the case of Costa Rica, the plan has been established with the network of private hospitals.
“The strength of the national health system, both publicly and privately, is recognized by the international community and in particular by the United Nations, and proof of this is the designation of Costa Rica as one of the destinations for the sanitary evacuation “, indicates the Foreign Ministry.
At the moment, only a single top UN official working in Haiti was transferred to a private hospital in San José as a humanitarian response.
“He does not have CVID-19,” said Daniel Salas, Minister of Health.
(QCOSTARICA) AutoMercado confirmed on Tuesday about a positive case of COVID-19 in one of its employees, at the store located in the Plaza Atlantis Shopping Center, in San Rafael de Escazú.
Plaza
“Due to the nature of our business, we are constantly monitoring any risk situation, thanks to all these protocols that we have followed, a COVID-19 positive was indeed detected in a worker,” says the press release issued by the supermarket chain.
After learning of the case, the Ministry of Health managed to identify that the epidemiological link of the infection occurred outside the point of service, so this person is in isolation.
The company announced that the supermarket is operating normally and in accordance with the guidelines established by the health authorities.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, Escazú has 20 active cases of the virus, being the fifth canton of San José with the most COVID-19 infections.
In the greater metropolitan area, the cantons and districts under orange alert are Pavas, Alajuelita and Desamparados. These areas are under the vehicular restrictions from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm, and commercial activity remains under phase 2.
Brian Chesky, who co-founded the holiday rental site in 2008, believes that there will be a ‘redistribution of where people travel… instead of to only a few cities, to thousands of local communities’.
The virus is essentially nothing more than a tiny blob of genetic material. Covid-19 travels in a CARRIER – the carrier is a fluid droplet- fluid droplets that you expel when you cough, sneeze, sing, laugh, talk or simply exhale. Most of your fluid droplets will be stopped from entering the air in the room if you are wearing a mask.
