Ben Affleck (Batman) could not choose a worse time to visit Costa Rica since his presence in Tiquicia coincides with the yellow alert raised by the Government for the coronavirus, of which there are 9 confirmed cases.
Ben Affleck (Batman) and his new love arriving in Costa Rica, at the San Jose airport, on Saturday.
According to the press office of Costa Rica’s immigration service (DGME), the actor sans his Batman suit entered the country along with his new girlfriend, Ana Celia de Armas, on Saturday.
On Monday, the government of Carlos Alvarado ordered the suspension of all massive activity due to the nine confirmed cases and the 22 suspicious cases that are currently under review.
The couple was seen a couple of days ago at Juan Santamaría airport upon arrival in Costa Rica and they looked quite relaxed. At the moment neither of them has published anything about their stay in the country on their social networks.
Before that, the couple had been seen in Havana, Cuba, enjoying that city’s history.
Affleck and Ana also shared the filming “Deep Waters”, which began shooting in November 2019, the same time they started their relationship.
Affleck announced in 2018 his divorce with the mother of his children Jennifer Garner and then entered a clinic to be rehabilitated by alcoholism.
The coronavirus covid-19 is getting closer and closer to Nicaragua, and the alerts increase in view of the possibility of the virus entering the country after 9 confirmed cases were detected in the neighboring country of Costa Rica.
“The virus is going to enter (Nicaragua) regardless of whether there are cases or not in Costa Rica and it is not a failure of the Ministry of Health that cannot prevent (the virus) from entering, the obligation of the Minsa is to detect it early,” says Leonel Argüello, medical specialist in Epidemiology.
But, before paranoia can take over the population, it is necessary to be informed about the subject.
Argüello said that we must “learn” what is reported outside our borders to be prepared to attend an eventual coronavirus emergency.
“The coronavirus is a microorganism that produces mild, moderate, severe respiratory disease and will soon enter our country, so it is important that we prepare at the individual, family and community level,” said the specialist.
The epidemiologist pointed out that if the coronavirus enters the country it is not because of the threat of cases of coronavirus in Costa Rica since there could currently be cases in Nicaragua that have not been discovered by the incubation period of the disease.
In order for health authorities to confirm suspicious cases, the specialist said that it will depend on laboratory tests and their reaction to give the results in one or two hours. “The teams, the countries have them, but the reaction is the substance in which when taking the blood, stool or phlegm sample, it is mixed with that reagent and that reacts and gives you negative or positive,” explained the epidemiologist.
The specialist said that although these tests can yield rapid results, health authorities should always continue to perform tests to confirm. “The quick test is to know if they are positive but then they must confirm, and that takes you more time. In any case, the measures that you are going to take in a person, whether or not coronavirus are equal to those of a flu,” he said.
The laboratory test of the coronavirus is performed primarily on the blood, in addition to urine, feces and phlegm. Once the case is confirmed, the treatment is the same as for the flu.
“Remember that most cases will be like the flu, only 14% will get complicated, and of that 2% can die,” said the epidemiologist, who added that all people are prone to get the virus, but the greatest risk of complication will be for the elderly or other chronic diseases.
Learn and prevention measures
Argüello said that the first thing the Nicaraguan should do is learn about the coronavirus, its warning symptoms or prevention measures. “Its symptomatology is similar to that of the flu with the rapid onset of difficulty breathing.”
According to the epidemiologist’s explanations, the coronavirus is transmitted from person to person orally, and by having contact with contaminated objects, and then touching the mouth, nose, and eyes. The virus incubation period is 14 days, and the symptoms can be seen in a couple of days or in a week. Once the case is confirmed, the quarantine will last for the duration of the virus (14 days).
The specialist insisted that the first preventive action against coronavirus is to wash the hands with soap and water regularly. When sneezing, cover with the inside of your elbow or use tissues.
He also ruled out the theory that if the coronavirus reaches the country, it would not resist high temperatures, although he clarified that the life time of the virus (in the environment) is short due to heat. Taking vitamin C does not prevent or prevent the disease.
The use of masks will be only for the patient so that the drops of saliva do not contaminate the objects around them. Once this product gets wet, it must be discarded because it harbors the virus.
Argüello recommends not to stress, eat well, rest well, exercise and practice the habit of washing your hands, a home, at work or wherever. “This is the opportunity to learn to wash your hands,” said the specialist.
At this time there no confirmed or suspicious cases of the coronavirus covid-19 in Nicaragua.
Caption: “President (Alvarado) reappears and announces a commission to put order to Casa Presidencial”.
Costa Rica president Carlos Alvarado has given the task of putting the house (Casa Presidencial) in order to the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Rodolfo Mendez.
At 82, Mendez is the oldest of Alvarado’s cabinet and perhaps the most experienced in government, with a long political career: serving served in public office as legislator 1994-1998 and has served various masters (presidents) in his political career as Ministro de la Presidencia (Chief of Staff) 1990 – 1992, Minister of Finance 1992 – 1994, Minister of Public Works and Transport (under 3 presidents) 1998 – 2000 and 2018-present, and pre-presidential candidate in 2001.
He also took an active part (for the PUSC party) in the free trade agreement referendum with the United States.
Besides fixing and taking care of our roads, he is expected to clean up the mess surrounding Alvarado and his UPAD (data analysis) unit.
Guatemalan authorities has instructed the director general of Civil Aviation of that country to report daily all flights from Costa Rica and countries with Covid-19 coronavirus.
After the first case of Covid-19 coronavirus was confirmed in Costa Rica on Friday, March 6, the Guatemalan Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) issued a statement indicating that an “epidemiological clinical evaluation” will be required of all passengers arriving in Guatemala from Costa Rica.
Guatemalan authorities has instructed the director general of Civil Aviation of that country to report daily all flights from Costa Rica and countries with Covid-19 coronavirus.
“No passenger may enter that comes from countries with confirmed cases without having their epidemiological clinical evaluation. Extreme prevention measures will be applied, especially all flights from Costa Rica, as has been done with other airlines that come from countries with confirmed cases,” said the Ministry of Health on Friday night.
“For the confirmation of the first case of Covid-19 coronavirus in Central America, especially in Costa Rica, together with the President Dr. Alejandro Giammattei, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance has decided to raise the yellow alert to a red alert,” said the statement issued on Saturday.
The text does not indicate whether Guatemala will carry out this “epidemiological clinical evaluation” or what it consists of. Guatemala still has no suspected cases of Covid-19 coronavirus.
Costa Rica has responded, by way of the Ambassador of Costa Rica in Guatemala, Emilio Arias Rodríguez, asking the Minister of Health of that country, Hugo Roberto Monroy Castillo, for clarification on the scope of the measure.
The press office of the Costa Rica Ministry of Health said that, so far, Guatemala is the only country with such an alert for passengers coming from the country.
On Friday, the Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of the covid-19, an imported case of a woman tourist arriving from New York.
While each country has their respective protocols, in the case of Costa Rica, when a passenger, national or foreign, who reports having been in China, Italy, South Korea, Iran or Spain, countries that have active transmission of the virus enters the country, they are asked for name, contact information and where they will be staying in Costa Rica.
They are warned that in case of presenting any symptoms of the Covid-19 within 14 days of having been in those countries, to report it immediately to the authorities. They are given the phone numbers where they should call.
Costa Rica’s Civil Aviation (Dirección General de Aviación Civil) confirmed that at 11:30 pm Saturday, the flight that was delayed for practically most of the day due to an alert for the presence of the coronavirus Covid-19, departed from the Juan Santamaría International or San Jose airport (SJO).
The 98 passengers of Copa flight CM788 had to remain confined in special rooms at the airport terminal, while test samples for the coronavirus covid-19 were analyzed. The Ministry of Health indicated, at 8:40 pm., that on the flight was “a group of Italians who had had contact with a suspicious case.”
At 9:30 pm, Health confirmed that the suspected case that had contact with these two passengers on the plane was ruled out of being infected, so the flight was authorized, but only of passengers whose final destination was the Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. The flight departed at about 11:30 pm, arriving in Panama an hour later.
The Europeans that were held left behind Costa Rica were able to leave at 11:30 am on Sunday for their home country via Panama.
Alvaro Vargas, director of Civil Aviation, confirmed that the delayed flight arrived in Costa Rica at 3:30 pm on Saturday, from Guatemala, but a suspicion alert forced action.
The group of passengers, he said, received the best possible care and the protocol the Ministry of Health was applied.
The San Jose airport has a special area set up for these circumstances with everything necessary to deal with cases of respiratory illness and, if necessary, places where an ambulance transfer patients to the Alajuela hospital.
All passengers were interviews and tests were made to determine if any person required hospitalization or not.
The area is far from other flights, so the normal flow of flight departures and arrivals from the airport is not interrupted.
In contingency situations like this, the responsibility for passenger comfort lies directly with each airline whose flight is affected.
The expense is shared between the airlines and the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) Costa Rican Tourism Board, in total coordination with Health.
The Ministry of Justice announced it will spend US$16 million dollars to be built a new maximum-security prison to house 320 of the most dangerous criminals in Costa Rica. Currently, the baddest of the baddest are housed in an 80 bed unit of the La Reforma prison in Alajuela.
Currently, the most dangerous criminals in the country are housed in La Reforma prison in Alajuela, with overcrowding
The ministry attributed the need for a special prison and increased the current capacity due to the proliferation of organized crime in the country. The new prison would include a “high level” containment and lock up, reports La Nacion.
Justice said it will also be building a new 1,000 capacity prison in San Ramon and is negotiating with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) for a loan to finalize both projects.
Authorities of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) decided to suspect outpatient services at the San Rafael de Alajuela Hospital for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday because of the confirmed covid-19 patients being treated at the medical center.
The temporary suspension of outpatient services ensures the safety of staff, the public and hospitalized patients.
“One of the measures is to apply the minimum hospital occupation to protect health personnel and the population. Similarly, the external consultation (outpatient) will be temporarily suspended until Wednesday. The Caja confirms that gynecology obstetric emergency care will continue with the support of Caja staff.
“From this Monday, the entry of visitors will be restricted, only in case of indispensable access is authorized one person per patient. Of course, the care of cancer patients, special cases and emergencies is maintained. On the other hand, non-urgent elective and outpatient surgeries will be suspended,” said the statement.
Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health confirmed Sunday afternoon that the number of infected with the Covid-19 coronavirus rose to nine, while there are 34 other suspects.
Costa Rica’s Minister of Health, Daniel Salas
The confirmed ones are the following:
49-year-old woman, a U.S. tourist arriving in Costa Rica on March 1 without symptoms until a few days later
49-year-old man, the husband of the U.S. tourist, confirmed of having the virus, but still without symptoms
54-year-old Costa Rican man who had traveled to Panama, who remains in a delicate condition
73-year-old Costa Rican woman, who had contact with the 54-year-old man
41-year-old Costa Rican woman, who had contact with the 54-year-old man
54-year-old Costa Rican woman, who had contact with the 54-year-old man
56-year-old Costa Rican woman, who had contact with the 54-year-old man
34-year-old Costa Rican man, who had contact with the 54-year-old man
70-year-old U.S. woman, resident in Costa Rica, with a recent travel record to the United States, passing through two airports in that country
The epidemiological detail of the contagion of the five contacts of the 54-year-old man is being investigated by Health authorities.
In addition, a large part of the 34 suspected cases, between nationals and foreigners, are also contacts of the 54-year-old Costa Rican. All are kept isolated in a hotel or at home.
Due to the situation, the Salud y de la Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias (CNE) – National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Care – declared a yellow alert by COVID-19.
The activation of the yellow alert allows resources to be mobilized interinstitutionally and activates the Emergency Operations Center (COE).
The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, the President of the CNE, Alexander Solís and other health officials have been emphatic that, so far, the behavior of the new virus indicates that in more than 80% of cases the infection manifests itself mildly.
Its lethality, registered so far, is 2% (2 dead per 100 infected) and is concentrated in people with prior conditions and risk factors such as diabetic, hypertensive or asthmatic, for example, and in older adults.
On Sunday, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) – state hospitals and clinics – requested that if you have symptoms of the common flu, do not go to the hospital and avoid infecting those who are hospitalized.
People are sources of contagion, so it is better to stay in their homes and apply hand washing and coughing and sneezing protocols, as well as staying a meter and a half away from other people, to avoid direct contact.
“Since January we have been working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health for the inter-institutional coordination of actions for emergency care; in that line, today we made the decision to establish the yellow alert, which empowers other coordination mechanisms between institutions, vital for addressing the virus,” said the CNE president.
Health Minister Salas was emphatic in his recommendation to the population to postpone travel as much as possible, given that they are likely to have setbacks in flights and airports due to the situation experienced at the international level.
“Our health system is highly sensitive; therefore, it has efficiently detected suspicious and confirmed cases, as well as the appropriate response to these.
“However, it is vital the individual responsibility to protect our most vulnerable population such as the diabetics, those with heart disease, the hypertensive, elderly people or those with lung diseases, as well as those patients with cancer or diseases that compromise their immune system, who face more severely this virus,” said Salas.
The worldwide outbreak for the coronavirus Covid-19 disease can generate unfounded fears or paranoia. Not surprisingly, not everyone who has symptoms in their respiratory system has this disease. Even less if they have not left the country.
Using official guidelines of the Costa Rica Ministry of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), we prepared this checklist of what to do if and when you suspect having contracted the disease while in Costa Rica.
If after reading this report, you consider that you are in danger of having contracted Covid-19, we urge you to call 9 1 1. Calling the emergency line you can be well prepared to make the best decisions and measures to take according to your case.
The Ministry of Health has even instructed private medical centers to notify the 9 1 1 system of suspicious cases to coordinate clinical care and follow-up. But remember not to saturate the line if you do not meet this profile because you could be delaying the attention of a true emergency.
Here’s what to do if you have or suspect you have COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Stay home if you have mild symptoms
People with mild symptoms — even if they haven’t tested positive for the novel coronavirus — such as mild fever, cough or sore throat, should isolate themselves at home while they are sick. That means don’t go to the office, school or public areas, and avoid using public transportation or ride-sharing services.ou have or suspect you have COVID-19.
1. Ask yourself the necessary questions to know whether or not you are a potential suspect case.
The Ministry of Health has instructed its staff to verify what is known as the medical history of the possible affected patients. The questions that professionals ask – and what you should also ask yourself – are these:
A: Do you have the following symptoms?
Difficulty breathing
Some other symptoms linked to the respiratory system
B: In the 14 days prior to the onset of your symptoms, have you traveled or resided in countries with native cases or with large circulation of the virus that causes Covid-19? (especially China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Spain)
C: Have you had close physical contact with a case confirmed by Covid-19?
D: Have you been to a health center where Covid-19 cases have been confirmed?
If you present the symptoms, and you can also answer yes to any of points B, C or D, it is imperative that you call 9 1 1 to be evaluated. Otherwise, do not do it.
The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, said in a press conference this Friday, March 6, that people with respiratory problems are advised not to go to their work centers or to places of mass concentration, such as shopping centers, concerts or parties, even soccer games.
“We only require that they go to health services in case they have traveled to a country with active transmission and have respiratory symptoms. It is not prudent that we saturate the services or calls to 9-1-1 in cases that do not comply with this profile,” said Salas.
2. Do not leave home and take measures at home
If you suspect you have Covid-19 disease, it is important that you stay at home, except to get medical attention.
You should restrict activities outside your home with the sole exception of getting professional health help.Do not go to work, school or public areas to avoid infecting other people.Avoid using public transport services, shared vehicles or taxis.
If you live with more people in your home, it is important that you stay in a specific room and away from other people who live with you. You should also use a separate bathroom, if possible.
If you have the virus or are suspected of having it, do not manipulate or touch pets or other animals.
Do not share dishes, glasses, cups, cutlery, towels or bedding with other people or animals in your home. After using these items, it is imperative to wash them well with soap and water.
3. Wear a mask and take care when coughing and sneezing
If you suspect that you are sick with Covid-19 because you had contact with a confirmed patient or were in any of the countries with active transmission of the virus, it is indicated that you wear a surgical mask when you are near other people (for example, in a room or vehicle); When you are near animals; Before entering a healthcare provider’s office; If you cannot use a mask because it makes it difficult for you to breathe, you need to isolate yourself as much as possible.
A person who is not sick or suspected does not need to wear a mask.
4. When to interrupt the insulation at home?
If you have already been diagnosed with Covid-19, the Ministry of Health guarantees professional medical follow up. You need to be under isolation precautions at home until the risk of secondary transmission to other people does not exist.
The decision to interrupt the isolation at home should be taken depending on each case and according to the assessment of health professionals. It is a decision that cannot be taken lightly. You can’t take it.
5. Remain calm. Covid-19 has so far proven not to be as serious as you might think
For now (March 6, 2020), the recovery rate of total cases is 55%, and the recovery rate over total cases that already had a result is 94%, according to official information available by Johns Hopkins University.
As of this morning, March 9, some 110,099 people worldwide have contracted Covid-19, but only 3.4% of them have died from complications from this disease, with 3,589 deaths. The majority of deaths have occurred in people who already had prior health conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions and immune problems, such as cancer), and were over 60 years of age.
If we put the numbers in perspective, the global pandemic for the influenza virus AH1N1, which had no vaccine between 2009 and 2010, was more contagious and lethal (of course, we talked about more than a year vs. the four months that the outbreak has been of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the global influenza pandemic AH1N1 resulted in an estimated total infected between 43 and 89 million people and between 151,700 and 575,400 deaths worldwide.
Taking the data into account, it is very important to remain calm, follow the instructions of health professionals, and know that, in the vast majority of cases, this disease looks a lot like the common cold and is treated as such.
Passengers wear protective face masks as a precaution against the spread of the new Coronavirus, COVID-19, at Jorge Chavez International Airport, in Lima, on March 6, 2020. - Peruvian Government confirmed its first case of Coronavirus. President Martin Vizcarra reported that it is a 25-year-old male patient, who arrived from a trip to Spain, France and the Czech Republic. (Photo by Luka GONZALES / AFP) (Photo by LUKA GONZALES/AFP via Getty Images)
The Ministry of Health raised the number of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus Covid-19 coronavirus in Costa Rica to five on Saturday night.
Image for illustrative purposes by Luka GONZALES / AFP via Getty Images
Through a press release, the authorities detailed that among the infected people are a couple of American tourists, as well as three Costa Ricans.
The American woman, 49, was the first person to test positive in tests conducted by the Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (Inciensa) – Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health.
She and her husband, arriving from New York on March 1 at the San Jose airport, were asymptomatic. She developed symptoms days after, while her husband, still does not show symptoms, but tested positive for the virus.
The third confirmed case is that of a 54-year-old man, who remains in a delicate condition in a public hospital.
The list also includes an aunt of his, 73, as well as a 41-year-old woman, who is his caregiver.
The Ministry of Health said American tourists remain isolated and under medical supervision in a San Jose hotel, whose name has not been made public.
Meanwhile, Costa Ricans are isolated in public hospitals. While the 54-year-old man is in a delicate condition, the other two are stable .
Additionally, seven suspicious cases between nationals and foreigners are being investigated. Among them is a person who had contact with the patient who is delicate condition in hospital and six other individuals who have no link with each other, or with those confirmed.
All are in isolation in a hotel or their home.
Health Minister Daniel Salas indicated that for the moment, no community transmission has been recorded in Costa Rica.
He also reminded of the importance of following sneezing and coughing protocols (use a forearm or tissue, for example), as well as good hand washing, especially before touching the face, and greeting people without hands or kiss.
“It is important to clarify to the population that the presence of new suspected and confirmed cases coincide with the expansion of the virus in the world and that is why we reinforce the need for self-care and prevention by all, ”he said.
The Health Secretary said on March 2 that the suspected cases of the new coronavirus will be handled in Costa Rica as if they were confirmed, in order to ensure patient care and expedite the processing of samples sent to the laboratory for eventual ratification of the diagnosis
Epidemiologist Dr. Jorge Victoria asserts the experience of Latin America and the Caribbean in the prevention of viruses and diseases such as measles and H1NI, which “allowed them to strengthen their diagnostic and response capacity” and is today the main strength in the fight against COVID-19.
The doctor, coordinator of Disease Surveillance and Control of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), made his assertions in his presentation to the Health Commission of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), with permanent headquarters in Panama City, before the emergence of cases in the region.
Dr. Victoria stressed that this work has allowed the region to strengthen its capacity for diagnosis and response to the new coronavirus.
The PAHO epidemiologist pointed out that the interesting thing is that the disease has mostly not been detected in airports despite controls, but in health facilities, after the symptoms appeared.
Dr. Victoria said that in the People’s Republic of China the cases of CoVid 19 have decreased, however, at this time there are a greater number of infected people outside the Asian country
The PAHO expert called for attention to prevent the spread of alarmist or false news because they spread irresponsibly even faster than CoVid 19 himself and urged people to also keep the concerns of diseases with a higher mortality rate such as They are: diabetes, heart disease, dengue, Zika, among others.
The Colombian Ministry of Health on Friday, March 6, confirmed the first case of coronavirus Covid-19 in the country. The patient is a 19-year-old girl who claims to have been in Italy, making it an imported case.
The patient is isolated in Bogotá.
The patient, a student, had returned from Milan to Bogota on Feb. 26 and was seen at Santa Fe hospital on March 2, the city’s mayor, Claudia Lopez, said on Twitter.
Italy has had the highest level of coronavirus infections outside of Asia, where the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has risen by 49 to 197, the country’s Civil Protection Agency said on Friday, the largest daily increase in fatalities since the contagion was uncovered there two weeks ago.
The woman remains isolated in Bogotá and under constant evaluation.
The National Institute of Health announced the positive result, which puts the Health Promoting Entities (EPS), Health Services Provider Institute (IPS), and private health systems on alert.
80% of people who could get the coronavirus will not develop any symptoms: Minsalud.
Earlier in the week, Colombia’s Minister of Health, Fernando Ruíz Gómez, affirmed that the country is prepared for the eventual arrival of the Covid-19.
“The country can be safe in the knowledge that we are working in a controlled and efficient way to confront this situation, which we have been anticipating for several weeks,” Ruiz told journalists. He said all healthcare facilities have instructions on handling the virus.
“We cannot get carried away by panic or paranoia,” says President Iván Duque
“We are facing the situation with all institutional capacities,” Colombia President Ivan Duque told the press. “For eight weeks Colombia has been taking action and we are carrying out a prevention and preparation program, detection and inter-institutional work for the time of a case,” added the president.
In Latin America, the virus has been, in addition to Colombia, confirmed in Mexico (6), Costa Rica (1), Brazil (8), Ecuador (13), Peru (1), Argentina (8) and Chile (1). All countries have 0 reported deaths.
The virus broke out in Wuhan, China, late last year and has since infected more than 101,00 people worldwide and 3,511 deaths reported. Outside of China, the hotspots include South Korea with over 7.000 cases and 42 reported deaths, and Italy with more than 4,200 cases and 197 deaths.
UNICEF — The number of migrant children crossing the Darien Gap, a jungled portion of land separating Colombia from Central America, increased more than seven-fold to nearly 4,000 in 2019 from 522 the year before – UNICEF announced today.
Don Wesky (8 months) and Haitian caregiver at migrant shelter. Migrants describe the Darién Gap jungle, straddling the border between Colombia and Panama, as the most dangerous and most difficult stage of their journey to North America.
Approximately 50 % of the children were under 6 years old.
Migrants who crossed in 2019 hailed from more than 50 different countries including India, Somalia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Bangladesh.
The findings are based on data from national migration services.
Janet (13 years old) and her family crossing the Tuquesa river towards Bajo Chiquito, the first panamanian village by the Colombian border, after a 7-day journey across the Darien Gap.
The UN children’s agency went on to warn of the grave risks facing migrant children and their families who make this perilous journey. Risks include no access to safe water, as well as exposure to natural hazards, dangerous animals, robbery, abuse and exploitation.
“The dramatic increase in the number of migrant children moving through the Darien Gap underscores the urgent need for action to protect these children and ensure their access to essential services such as healthcare, water and hygiene,” said UNICEF Representative for Panama Kyungsun Kim. “This requires coordinated and strengthened efforts from governments and humanitarian actors on the ground responding to the flow of children on the move and their needs.”
Migrant and host community children resting at UNICEF´s Child Friendly Space in migrant shelter.
Migrants arriving to Panama after crossing the Darien Gap are received at the Migrant Reception Station (ERM) shelter of La Peñita in Darien Province, one of the least developed provinces of Panama. They are then transported by Migration Authorities to the ERM of Los Planes in Chiriqui Province at the border with Costa Rica. Most will continue northwards, hoping to reach the U.S. or Canada.
Angolan brothers Romeu and Kulutwe and their families crossing the Tuquesa river towards Bajo Chiquito, the first Panamanian village by the Colombian border, after a 7 day journey across the Darien Gap.
UNICEF and its partners support national efforts to protect the rights of children on the move, while in transit through Panama. This work includes the development of local and national capacities while implementing the following interventions:
The provision of humanitarian supplies, nutritional screenings, pregnancy check-ups and healthcare for arriving migrants;
Installation of water systems bringing more than 30,000 liters of safe water per day for migrants, host communities, school and government institutions;
Support for improvement of sanitation conditions and hygiene practices; and
Establishment of child-friendly spaces where migrant and local children can play and receive psychosocial and early childhood development support, and where mothers can rest and breastfeed their babies safely.
As the number of migrant children crossing the Darien Gap is expected to rise, UNICEF will continue its presence on the ground – providing services in water and sanitation, health, and child protection for the remainder of 2020. This will help strengthen local and national capacities to respond to the needs of not only migrant children but also those who live in the host communities.
Children washing their hands at water supply system provided by UNICEF and partners at migrant shelter in La Peñita.
UNICEF urges governments and the international community to take immediate action to help protect all refugee and migrant children, including:
Tackle the root causes driving children from their homes;
Ensure access to education, healthcare and other essential services for all migrant children;
Keep families together;
End detention of migrant children and put in place alternative care measures;
Eradicate xenophobia and discrimination; and
Protect child migrants from exploitation and violence.
Bus leaving La Peñita in its way to Los Planes de Gualaca, Chiriqui Province, Panama (last migrant shelter before crossing the border to Costa Rica)
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
(Reuters) – Mexican authorities on Friday said they have identified a sixth person infected with coronavirus, a 71-year-old man in the State of Mexico who recently traveled to northern Italy.
Passengers wear protective masks as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, on arrival at the Mexico City International Airport, on March 3, 2020
Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said the man, who suffers from hypertension, arrived in Mexico in “grave condition” and is currently hospitalized in stable condition.
Lopez-Gatell said two of the man’s family members have been tested to check for the infection, with the results still awaited.
The confirmed cases are in Coahuila, Chiapas, Sinaloa, and Mexico City. All of the people are in isolation and receiving treatment.
The Ministry of Health reports 21 people with the flu, whose symptoms only resemble the coronavirus or COVID-19, are being monitored, tested and kept away from the public.
It also said in the report that about 60 people have been tested for coronavirus but received negative results.
Because of this, the Deputy Health Minister said Mexicans should not panic if they start to feel coronavirus symptoms. “If right now someone has these symptoms, it’s most likely that it’s because of the flu and not because of the coronavirus,” he said.
Globally the outbreak has led to over 100,000 cases of the fast-spreading illness and killed more than 3,400 people across over 90 nations, leading to massive worldwide economic disruption.
A more than 5 magnitude earthquake shook Costa Rica Friday, at 8:40 pm, in Buenos Aires of Puntarenas, in the southern zone, near the Panama border, and the shock wave was felt even in San José.
The country’s two centers for earthquakes and volcanic activity could not agree on the exact magnitude or the location of the epicenter.
The Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN) – National Seismological Network, of the University of Costa Rica (UCR), placed it at 5.4 degrees after reviewing the data sent by the seismographs, while the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (Ovsicori) – Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori), of the National University, reported a magnitude of 5.8.
The epicenter was at a depth of 12.2 km, according to Ovsicori, and 39 km, according to the RSN.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGC), pegged the quake at a 5.2. In Panama, experts at the Geosciences Institute of the University of Panama reported that a magnitude of 4.2 degrees.
What is clear is that the movement originated on land and not offshore as it usually happens in the southern part of the country.
The Ovsicori reported that it was 1.3 km southeast of Finca Santa Cruz de Buenos Aires de Puntarenas, while the RSN located it 13 km east of Boruca, Buenos Aires, the USGS 23 km ESE of Buenos Aires.
In San Jose, reports ranged from lightly felt to strong jolts in some areas. At the Q offices in Santa Ana, it was pretty strong.
The UCR Seismic Engineering Laboratory indicated that, based on the calculated depth and location of the epicenter, the probable origin of the earthquake could be associated with the subduction process of the Cocos plate under the Caribbean plate.
The CNE said that supermarkets of Buenos Aires de Puntarenas reported falling objects from the shelves. Photo: CNE
The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) informed that there was no infrastructure damage or injuries, “Only objects falling in supermarkets and debris falling in route 2, tin the area of Curré towards Palmar”.
The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) confirmed they had no reports that needed their attention.
The Costa Rican Tourism Board promotes abroad travel tot he country with is 'Essentials Costa Rica' branding
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – Tourist Board – reports that 78,562 visitors from the UK traveled to the country in 2019 – representing an increase of 5.7% over the previous year.
The Costa Rican Tourism Board promotes abroad travel tot he country with is ‘Esencial Costa Rica’ branding
The United Kingdom is Costa Rica’s second-largest source market in Europe.
Direct flights by British Airways from London to San Jose and Liberia is one of the contributors to increase visits. Connections via Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany with direct flights to Costa Rica are another factor.
In 2019, visitros from other European have also seen an increase in visitors: Germany (80,580; up 8.1%), France (77,013; up 4%), Spain (69,745; up 1.6%) and Italy (30,196; up 3.5%).
“The tiny country (Costa Rica) delights and surprises people every time they visit: from adrenaline-rush adventures to wellness and relaxation, without forgetting the nature and wildlife, which is built into Costa Rica’s DNA. The country’s dedication to sustainable tourism is also a key driver for today’s traveler,” said Rob Wilson of the ICT.
In 2019, Costa Rica welcomed 3,139,008 visitors from around the world, a 4.1% increase over 2018.
The Government of Carlos Alavadro on Friday called for calm in the face of the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in the country.
For now, the administration has ruled out the cancellation of mass events or the closing of schols, as the first case does not mean that there is an active transmission in the country.
The first positive case in the country was imported, a 49-year-old American woman arriving from New York on March 1 in the company of her husband. The woman did not show any symptoms on arrival; the spouse has yet to show any symptons, his case is being treated as suspicious.
Both Americans are isolated in a hotel in San Jose, whose name has not been disclosed publicly, and the Tourism Board (ICT) will be picking up the tab.
Authorities have called on the country to calm and to maintain extreme hygiene measures to combat contagion.
The Ministry of Health ruled out that the two Costa Rican women suspected of carrying COVID-19 had this virus. Health Minister Daniel Salas said the tests on both women were negative.
The announcement was made by Salas minutes after it was confirmed the first case in the country. imported by a 49-year-old American woman who remains isolated in a hotel in San José.
Also, the 34 Costa Ricans of the Chorale Café Choir who were under monitoring after visiting South Korea, an active transmission area of Covid-19, were cleared of any infection.
Minister Salas, at the center, detailed the first case of the new coronavirus in Costa Rica at a press conference at the Ministry of Health on Friday. Next to him, appear the Minister of Education, Giselle Cruz, and the President of the Republic, Carlos Alvarado. Behind them also Estefanía Carvajal, translator of lesco language. Photography: Jeffrey Zamora
The Ministry of Health confirmed thisFriday afternoon, the arrival of the first case of the coronavirus Covid-19 in Costa Rica.
Minister Salas, at the center, detailed the first confirmed case of the coronavirus covid-19in Costa Rica at a press conference at the Ministry of Health on Friday. Next to him, the Minister of Education, Giselle Cruz, and President Carlos Alvarado. Behind them also Estefanía Carvajal, translator of Lesco (sign language).
The patient is a 49-year-old American tourist, who arrived in the country from New York by air on March 1 in the company of her husband, of the same age.
Health Minister, Daniel Salas, said the woman entered Costa Rica without showing symptoms of the virus, while the husband so far has not shown any indication of infection.
Salas said the test by the Costa Rican Institute of Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (Incense) was positive for the covid-19.
Given this result, the woman and her husband remain isolated in a hotel in San José and under strict medical supervision to monitor their evolution. The name of the hotel has not been disclosed publicly.
In fact, Salas reported that the tourist has been receiving medication to treat her mainly for diarrhea. He indicated that the couple is calm and with an extremely collaborative attitude with the health authorities.
As their clinical condition is stable, they do not merit transfer to a hospital. For now, their food and lodging expenses will be covered by the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – Tourism Board.
Although the husband has not developed symptoms, he is still considered a suspicious case.
According to the minister’s statement, the man had contact in New York with some people infected with the virus shortly before flying to Costa Rica.
The couple entered the country through the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SAJO) without showing signs of contagion and then visited several points in Puntarenas and Alajuela.
Due to the above, added Salas, five people with whom tourists had contact in Costa Rica and also the 152 people who came on their flight from New York are being tracked.
“There is no transmission from person to person in our country,” said the Minister while urging the population to remain calm redouble personal hygiene measures.
Ticas and choir clear of infection
Meanwhile, Health officials ruled out the cases of two Costa Rican women, arriving on February 29 on a flight from the U.S. after having visited Italy and Tunisia.
They were the first two suspected cases, however, laboratory tests confirmed that a resident of Pococí, 52, and a her niece, 47, a native of Heredia, are not been infected.
Also, the 34 Costa Ricans of the Chorale Café Choir who were under monitoring after visiting South Korea, an active transmission area of Covid-19, were cleared of any infection.
Being swept off his feet by a woman, it cost him his life. That is the case of American pensioner Thomas Jeffry Cook, who intended to enjoy his retirement years in Ticolandia (Costa Rica).
It turns out the 27-year-old woman, identified by her last names Hurtado Palma, was tied to a narco gang that was dismantled during a Wednesday raid by the Organismo de Investigacion Judicial (OIJ).
Hurtado Palma was arrested in Bajo Los Rodríguez, in San Ramón de Alajuela, after a raid.
In total, 24 simultaneous raids took place starting at four in the morning in Puerto Viejo, Cieneguita, Matina, Batán, Siquirres and Guápiles to find the other members of the organization.
Cook was last seen alive for the last time on August 23, 2018, after he withdrew money from an ATM in Playa Jaco, on the Pacific side of the country.
Cook’s body was found on October 1, 2018, buried on a farm in Palmira de Siquirres, in Limon, on the other side of the country. He had been handcuffed and was wrapped in a blanket. The OIJ confirmed that the remains were those of Cook, after performing DNA tests.
Hurtado and unidentified members of the narco gang she belonged to are the main suspects in the Cook murder.
Wálter Espinoza, director of the OIJ, affirmed that the foreigner was killed to obtain his assets and other economic benefits.
“Upon realizing that this person lived alone in our country, that he had no close relatives and that there were no people who asked for him constantly, they saw that he was an easily accessible victim. That is the hypothesis we are working,” said Espinoza.
Daniel Salas, Minister of Health (center), announced the second suspected case of the new COVID-19 coronavirus in Costa Rica. Photo: Jeffrey Zamora
The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) announced in a press conference Thursday night, a second suspicious case of the coronavirus Covid-19 in Costa Rica.
Daniel Salas, Minister of Health (center), Thursday night announcing the second suspected case of the new COVID-19 coronavirus in Costa Rica.
It is the niece of the 52-year-old woman who Health Minister, Daniel Salas, informed us Thursday morning of being the first suspected case in the country.
The new patient is 47 years old and a resident of Heredia. She made a trip with her aunt to Italy and Tunisia.
Both arrived in Costa Rica on February 29 on a flight from German to the United States, from there on United Airlines to Costa Rica.
Minister Salas Peraza said that the tests of the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Education in Nutrition and Health (Incense) – located in La Unión, Cartago – to determine if both women are carriers of the new respiratory virus, are being processed at this time and resulted are expected by this afternoon (Friday).
Salas emphasized that, until the results are available, “all the necessary measures will be taken to handle patients as if they were confirmed cases”.
In addition, Salas called on the population to be totally serious and supportive of the situation.
“Please do not take hateful or negative actions or attitudes against these women that have not yet been confirmed, but even if they are confirmed, I really call for sanity and that there is no possibility of violent acts against the women”.
The minister stressed that, if the women test positive for the virus does not mean that there is transmission in the community where they reside.
The day the two women arrived at the Juan Santamaría international airport (SJO), in Alajuela, they were approached by Health officials who are in the air terminal as part of the protocol established in advance to deal with possible suspected cases of the coronavirus.
Initially, the women had no symptoms so they were asked for contact information for daily telephone follow-up.
Tuesday night (March 3), the 52-year-old patient from Pococí, Limón, presented a fever, so Wednesday (March 4), in the morning hours, the respiratory (FilmArray) test was performed that allows to rule out other common respiratory viruses.
The test specimen was immediately transferred to the Calderón Guardia Hospital for evaluation. Thursday morning (March 5) the result was negative, thus we proceeded to classify the case as ‘suspicious’ and do further testing.
Similarly, the niece’s FilmArray test resulted in a negative Thursday afternoon.
The flight from the U.S. had 157 passengers on board, plus the crew. These people are being located in order to assess whether they have developed symptoms and do a follow-up; especially, of those that were located near the patients in the aircraft.
“The most important trace coincides with the three rows back and the three rows facing the front where the patients where. It is worth clarifying that some of the people who came on the plane were in transit or have already left the country,” said the Minister of Health.
In addition, we are doing follow-ups on relatives and friends of both women, who remain in strict isolation and monitoring in their homes.
The 47-year-old woman is isolated, along with her mother, in her house, while the 52-year-old patient is at home with her husband.
Salas emphasized that citizens should continue with the corresponding security measures, such as not touching their faces in public places or washing their hands whenever necessary.
With respect to water rationing that is ongoing in various sectors and communities, Minister Salas said that he has been “coordinating with the water utility (Aya) to try to minimize water rationing.”
“We have to understand that we are in the dry season and that rationing is inevitable. Many times rationing (of an area) is communicated beforehand.”
Ready to face the coronavirus
Both the Ministry of Health and the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) – Costa Rican Social Security Fund – have reiterated that the country is ready for the care of patients with Covid-19.
More than 80% of patients develop mild symptoms. The mortality rate and complications associated with the disease are concentrated in less than 2% of those infected.
To date, 99,600 people worldwide have been infected with this virus, and 3,402 have died (as of March 6, 2020, 7:42 am Costa Rica time). Click here for the latest news and world map in real-time of the spread of the virus.
Most of them, in China, where the new coronavirus originated in December last year.
Besides China, the hotspot areas are South Korea, Italy and Iran.
The United StatesEmbassy in Managua issued on Thursday, March 5, an alert prohibiting embassy workers and temporary visitors in the country from leaving their residences or hotels for the next 72 hours: otherwise, they will need a special permit, as reported by the United States embassy United on its website.
U.S. Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua
This measure occurs after the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against the National Police and commissioners: Luis Alberto Pérez Olivas, Justo Pastor Urbina and Juan Antonio Valle Valle.
— USEmbassy Nicaragua (@USEmbNicaragua) March 5, 2020
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned the National Police for being “a tool (of Daniel Ortega’s regime) in its campaign of violent repression against the Nicaraguan people.”
In the alert, the embassy details that officials are prohibited from leaving the city of Managua during the alert.
The Embassy advises US citizens that demonstrations can occur in Managua or anywhere else in Nicaragua with little or no notification.
Foreigners, including U.S.-Nicaraguan dual nationals, are advised to avoid demonstrations and leave the area immediately if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests and not participate in demonstrations, and risk arrest or expulsion if they participate in protests.
Other actions to take:
Do not attempt to drive through large groups or barricades encountered on the street.
Monitor local media for updates. Radio Corporación and Channel 10 can provide the most updated news. Online media, including La Prensa, Confidencial, Articulo 66, and La Mesa Redonda, are useful resources.
Please note the Department of State has issued a Travel Advisory urging U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to civil unrest, violent crime, and limited healthcare availability.
The Incense Virology laboratory analyzes the first suspicious sample of the new coronavirus, Covid-19, taken in Costa Rica. Photo: Jonathan Jiménez Flores for Grupo Nación
The Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) reported today, Thursday, that is analyzing what appears to be the first suspected case of the new coronavirus, Covid-19
The Virología del Inciensa laboratory is expected to have within 24 hours the results of the first suspected case of the coronavirus in Costa Rica.
The patient is a 52-year-old Costa Rican woman, a resident of Pococí, in Limón, who was in Italy and Tunisia with her husband, returning to the country on February 29 with no respiratory symptoms, but who presented them later.
Her husband shows no symptoms.
The case is classified as suspicious after the respiratory panel (FilmArray) gave a negative, ruling out that the symptoms are due to another type of respiratory virus.
As reported by the Ministry of Health in a press release, all isolation and care protocols were activated for the patient, who remains isolated in her house.
No further details were given. The Ministry of Health said only that the samples were taken this morning and were sent to the Costa Rican Institute of Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (Incense) to perform the molecular biology test established to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of Covid-19.
The results will be announced as soon as they are ready. Health authorities indicated, a few days ago, that it would take from 12 to 24 to obtain the results.
Meanwhile, Health personnel are investigating whom the woman had contact with on her return to Costa Rica
“The country has been preparing for this moment for several weeks, with the aim of protecting public health through an articulated work between several institutions,” reiterated Daniel Salas, Minister of Health.
In Latin America, oMexico (5), Brazil (3), Ecuador (13), Argentina (1) and Chile (1) have reported confirmed cases the virus and no deaths.
Click here for a map of the latest news (in real-time) of the Coronavirus around the world.
In his most daring feat yet, Nik Wallenda, on Wednesday night walked high above the lava pool of the Masaya Volcano, one of the most volatile and dangerous volcanoes in the world, located in the heart of Nicaragua.
The day before, in an interview with Good Morning America, asked what does he think before the daunting walk, Wallenda said: “There will be everything, from nerves to emotion, a little fear, a lot of respect, it’s a dream”.
“For the last week I have been waking up in cold sweat due to this walk,” Wallenda explained. “Every step is dangerous, but I will surely relax more and more as that gas passes.”
The grandson of Karl Wallenda pointed out “We are walking on a volcano with deadly poisonous gases; Add a layer of concern. I will wear protective goggles, [but] what happens if they fog up, what happens if they don’t get well and my eyes start to burn and I can’t see, there are so many unknowns that I can’t prepare for. ”
The Masaya volcano has erupted 13 times in the last 30 years. The volcano emits more than 330,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year. The lava lake boils at more than1,000 degrees Celsius (2,000 degrees Fahrenheit), equal to about 1366 K.
This is Wallenda’s longest and tallest hike attempt to date. “Never until this morning have I stepped on a cable of this diameter.” He predicts that the one-inch, 1,800-foot-long cable walk, nicknamed “la boca del infierno” (the mouth of hell) could take between 30 and 35 minutes.
Nikolas Wallenda (born January 24, 1979) did the walk in 31 minutes and 23 seconds.
Volcano attracts an audience
On March 2, 2020, National Geographic and Good Morning America teamed up to transmit television reports from Nicaragua, from the volcano, one of the eight lava lakes across the planet, and share a close-up view of the Nik Wallenda experience.
In the Good Morning America report, you can see the lava lake of the volcano in Nicaragua live. For its part, National Geographic, reported on Nicaragua’s natural beauties, calling it “an extraordinary land” and explained, or concluded, how the Masaya volcano helps cool the planet. They also state that the colossus is one of the most active volcanoes of the world.
“The reality is I’m risking my life,” he told ABC News. Despite the magnitude of the magma below, Wallenda said he will take in all of its natural beauty.
The wire is just one-inch thick in diameter and 1,800-feet long. Wallenda has walked over the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and 25 stories above Times Square.
The Masaya volcano is Wallenda’s longest and highest walk attempt to date.
The American acrobat, aerialist, daredevil, high wire artist, did 548 meter (1,800-foot) in 31 minutes and 23 seconds.
He wore a protective mask and goggles to combat the plumes of toxic gas. “We’re walking over a volcano with deadly poisonous gases — it adds a layer of concern. I’ll be wearing goggles, [but] what if they fog up, what if they’re not fixed right and my eyes start burning and I can’t see — there are so many unknowns that I cannot prepare for.”
The lava lake inside the crater boils at more than1,000 degrees Celsius (2,000 degrees Fahrenheit). “For the last week I’ve been waking up in cold sweats because of this walk. Every step is dangerous, but I will become more and more relaxed as I get through that gas for sure,” Wallenda explained.
Costa Rica formalized the process to be part of the Global Entry Program of Reliable Travelers of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
This week, Fernando Llorca, Costa Rican ambassador to the United States, delivered the formal request to that US department to include us in a future expansion of the program.
With this step, a technical collaboration process between CBP and the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) – Costa Rica’s immigration service – is initiated, and will also involve the U.S. embassy.
Costa Rica is expected to be the fifth Latin American country to enter the program, which will benefit the business and tourism sectors.
Global Entry is a bilateral trust program that allows expedited authorization of preapproved and low-risk travelers between signatory countries. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.
The program is available in 53 airports in the United States and in the pre-inspection stations of eleven other countries, where fast and usually no entry into the immigration stations is allowed.
In Latin America, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Panama are the countries with which the United States has signed this bilateral agreement.
If the Global Entry is established in Costa Rica, those interested in joining the program must apply through a process similar to that of a visa.
To acquire it, the applicant must have a valid visa and pay a non-refundable US$100 fee. In addition, must undergo a background check and a personal interview at the U.S. embassy in San Jose.
If admitted, they will have a reliable traveler status for five years renewable.
Upon arrival at the airport, the approved applicant will have direct access to a digital kiosk that takes their fingerprints and verifies their passport and then passes to a special line for Global Entry travelers, where an officer verifies their documents.
Yolanda Fernández, presidenta de la Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica.
Leaders of the business sector say they understand the situation that the Government is going through, but, at the same time, they need to “turn the page” to resume reforms in pursuit of economic recovery.
Yolanda Fernández, president of the Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica.
This was stated by Yolanda Fernández and Enrique Egloff, presidents of the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica and the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica, respectively, La Nacion reports.
The business representatives refer to the resignations and investigations by the decree creating the Presidential Data Analysis Unit (UPAD), which sought to give access to said office to confidential data of the inhabitants in the hands of public institutions.
At a time when the Ministry of Health increases preventive measures due to the possible arrival of the coronavirus in the country, the residents of the Hatillos, San Jose, one of the places most affected by water rationing, say they cannot comply with hygiene measures since they never have water.
The residents of the Hatillos began their protest at 2 pm Wednesday, blocking traffic in both directions for more than 2 hours
Given the annoyance of the community, Manuel Alvarado, AyA director of the west macrozone, said he cannot work miracles, La Teja reports.
“The people what they want is for me to give them water now and only Moses, that instead of parting the waters, make it fall from the sky and fill everyone’s house. Humanly it is not possible at this time, even leaving all San José without water we could,” he said.
Wednesday afternoon, a group of residents of the Hatillos closed off the Circunvalacion, in both directions, at the Hatillo 6 traffic lights, as a pressure to the AyA to get them water.
The blockade of the major artery lasted for more than 2 hours – from 2 pm to past 4:00 pm.
The residents are complaining of lack of water in many cases for more than 24 hours, that the AyA is not complying with the rationing schedules (which began more than a month ago and are carried out every day) and that the situation is already unsustainable.
Amalyn Blanco, a resident of Hatillo 2, said the cuts were first on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, but then the service was cut every day.
Blanco says said they were told the water cuts would be from 11 am to 8 pm, but in Hatillo 2 she assures the water runs dry starting at 6 am and is no flowing again until 3 am.
“I have two weeks of this, what hoard is not enough for me. I know that we are in the dry season, where the heat is extreme, but if we are going to be fair we have to ration the water in different sectors and on schedules, but that they affect us 20 hours is too much, and the rates do not go down, they remain the same.
“We bought gel alcohol to wash our hands as Salud (ministry of Health) asks, but we can’t afford it,” said Amalyn annoyed.
“Wash your hand frequently to avoid the virus. With what water?” reads the sign held by Rocio Valverde, a resident of Hatillo 2
Rocío Valverde, also of Hatillo 2, confirmed Amalyn’s account, there is no water from early in the morning until dawn the next day and then only for a few hours before it goes again. She added that without the liquid they cannot wash their hands as requested and that even one of her older daughters already has diarrhea.
“We want water!” Shouted the people who participated in the blockade, while there were some threats of violence with drivers trying to pass through the demonstrators.
“The southern tanks that supply these sectors have three catchments, water arrives from La Valencia, Tres Ríos and Puente de Mulas. When it is not summer, there is more than sufficient water, the tanks rise three and a half or four meters high.
“The problem that exists at the moment is that the increased consumption of water increased, and especially due to a kind of collective fear, such as what is happening with the coronavirus, where people hoard and hoard and when the water is back on, sometimes they throw away what they have hoarded and save again,” explained the AyA official.
Alvarado added that the higher elevations are the areas with less water due to a shortage issue, not because the AyA is closing valves or their lower social class.
“It disturbs me when they say it is because of a social condition, because in Hatillo and Alajuelita and other sectors of the GAM there is none, like in Trejos Montealegre (Escazu),” said Alvarado.
Regarding the request made by Salud to take measures with the rationings for the coronavirus alarm, Alvarado said that they still do not have something defined because it must be a measure that cannot be taken lightly.
The official recommended residents to buy tanks, assured that a 750 liters tank costs less than ¢70,000 colones and thus will have water in their house.
He also stressed that he cannot solve the problem of water cuts.
The impact of the coronavirus on Costa Rica’s economy depends on the extent of contagion and how long it will last, as well as the effectiveness of government measures, such as interest rate cuts.
Image La Republica
However, the impact would be felt to a greater or lesser degree in the Costa Rican commercial sector: an increase in the cost of a number of imported products and, possibly, also in tourism.
While the demand for Costa Rican products would fall in other markets after the slow growth of the global economy, the price of imports would increase due to the fact that the production of factories in several parts of Asia, especially in China, is suspended.
T-shirts, cars, cell phones and construction materials are some of the goods affected in China, which represents 16% of global industrial production.
The impact of the virus in South Korea and Japan is less than in China; However, both countries are affected.
As far as tourism is concerned, there could be fewer visitors, given the fear of many people traveling for several hours in an aircraft with hundreds of people, as well as being in a country where they do not know what health services are like.
On the other hand, Costa Rica could benefit if foreign tourism, especially North American – the main source – chose to come here instead of Europe or Asia.
In fact, arrivals in Liberia, both last month and January, were greater than those of the same period of 2019.
Demand in the rest of the world for Costa Rican products, meanwhile, would fall, while global growth expectations worsen.
As for interest rates, it is possible that, if it had a very serious affectation, Costa Rica’s Central Bank would have to take measures.
Uncertain tourism
Costa Rica could receive fewer visitors for the fear of many people traveling; or, it could benefit if foreigners, mainly Americans, chose to come here instead of affected destinations.
María Amalia Revelo, Minister of Tourism, told La Republica that airplane seats available to Costa Rica for the first half of this year show an increase of 5%, and that the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – Tourism Board – has been in contact with the main airlines that serve our priority markets, which do not yet report an impact on their reservations to Costa Rica.
But that could change as the virus spreads and the decision not to travel, in general, because of the coronavirus is taken.
There will be an affectedness
While the ICT sees the situation with optimism, other experts estimate that the coronavirus would affect the economy.
Laura Bonilla, president of the Chamber of Exporters, says exporters are concerned that at the logistic level congestion is reported in ports in Asia; that is to say, there are problems with the entry of ethical products.
“Some shipping lines have canceled of departures of ships from different ports. As for Europe, we already have reports of a drop in the consumption dynamics of the population of strategic countries, the market has become slow,” said Bonilla.
Allan Calderón, Deputy General Manager of Risk at the Banco Nacional, said “Costa Rica’s economy depends on and receives international prices, it affects a reduction in interest rates related to dollars. Although for those who have credits in dollars it reduces their monthly payments, in general, it is not good news, because it indicates that the economy would be slower and with less generation of employment and foreign investments, since there would be uncertainty worldwide.”
The Unidad Presidencial de Análisis de Datos (UPAD) has its latest victim, the Ministro de la Presidencia (Chief of Staff), Victor Morales, who announced his resignation on Wednesday, one day after his appearance before the Legislative Assembly where he faced an interrogation over his role in the political scandal.
Víctor Morales (at the podium) surrounded by the legislative section of the PAC and several members of Carlos Alvardo’s cabinet, Wednesday afternoon announced his resignation as Minister of the Presidency. President Alvarado did not attend the press conference.
In his appearance, Morales admitted to legislators that he failed to make a close reading of the decree creating the Presidential Data Analysis Unit (UPAD), before signing it.
In his resignation letter, Morales said the legislative motion of censure being discussed against him would prevent him from being the voice required to push the reform agenda promoted by the Government in Congress.
“The process of this motion of censure and its vote in the legislative plenary, whatever the result, implies an irremediable deterioration of my legitimacy as a driver of the dialogue between the Executive Power with the members of the Legislative Power,” said the former Chief of Staff.
Morales will return to his legislative bench next week.
The decree, published on February 17 and repealed on the 21st, was intended to give the Presidential Data Analysis Unit access to confidential information of the inhabitants in the hands of public institutions.
On Monday, March 2, during an appearance (that turned into an interrogation) in the floor of the Legislative Assembly, Morales said: “On my part there was an omission of a leisurely and quiet reading (of the decree). If I had done so, we would not be in the discussion we are in, because I would have advised on the possible interpretations.”
His resignation occurs at a time when Legislators were to discuss a motion of censure against him, for having signed the decree.
Both the Prosecutor’s Office and the Legislative Assembly are investigating the case.
President Carlos Alvarado, who was not present during Morales’s announcement, posted on Twitter a message of thanks to the former minister minutes after the press conference ended.
“I thank Víctor Morales Mora for his work as Minister of the Presidency. Our commitment to building a solid democracy and a prosperous country continues. I will be grateful now for your work from the Legislative Assembly, ”the president wrote.
Agradezco a Víctor Morales Mora su labor como Ministro de la Presidencia. Nuestro compromiso con la construcción de una democracia sólida y un país próspero continúa. Agradeceré ahora su trabajo desde la Asamblea Legislativa. pic.twitter.com/qghQvNFp31
— Carlos Alvarado Quesada (@CarlosAlvQ) March 4, 2020
Morales Mora assumed the Ministry of the Presidency on August 1, 2019, replacing Rodolfo Piza.
Other resignations
On Tuesday night, two vice-ministers also resigned. One is Daniel Soto, Vice Minister of Planning, who signed the decree together with Morales and President Carlos Alvarado.
The other is Juan Alfaro, Deputy Minister of Finance. He resigned knowing that a UPAD data, named Alejandro Madrigal, sent a draft “confidentiality contract” to the General Superintendence of Financial Institutions to access information from the Credit Information Center (CIC) ), in which Alfaro appeared representing the Ministry of the Presidency. Alfaro argues that he never agreed to put his name.
Also resigned are Felly Salas, head of the president’s office; Diego Fernández, data analysis coordinator; and Luis Salazar, former legal advisor to the Presidency. All three are being investigated by the Prosecutor’s Office in the UPAD case.
Two more data analysts, as well as President Carlos Alvarado, Víctor Morales and former Deputy Minister Michael Soto are also under investigation for alleged violation of personal data.
Legislator Ivonne Acuña is one of a number of legislators critical of the UPAD and the role of President Carlos Alvarado
The Unidad Presidencial de Análisis de Datos (Upad) – Presidential Data Analysis Unit – which has generated a political storm, was promoted and directed personally by President Carlos Alvarado, according to opposition legislators, who earlier this week launched an attack against the Government.
Legislator Ivonne Acuña is one of a number of legislators critical of the UPAD and the role of President Carlos Alvarado. “At Casa Presidencial they believe that they can do what they want with the confidential information of the inhabitants”, said Acuña.
The appearance before the Legislative Assembly of Víctor Morales, Ministro de la Presidencia (Chief of Staff), was transformed from an accountability to a hard political interrogation.
During the marathon session – for more than six hours – it was discovered that the Upad did not have the endorsement of the Ministry of Planning for its creation, which contradicts the decree itself that indicated it.
The legislators also stressed that the president was directly responsible for said office, which is being investigated by the Ministerio Publico (Prosecutor’s Office) for the crimes of prevarication, abuse of authority and violation of personal data.
“It is clear that the only person responsible for the Upad is the president, he was the big chief,” said Pablo Heriberto Abarca, PUSC legislator, referring indirectly to the corruption scandal that splashed the previous government with the Chinese cement.
Generated harsh reprimands during the appearance was the fact that Morales accepted that there was “an omission of reading” of the final document, which supported the use of confidential data of Costa Ricans.
In that sense, the Chief of Staff said that the head of the office of Casa Presidencial (Government House) was the person in charge of coordinating the Upad work team.
“Unfortunately, this discussion has taken place amid exaggerations, speculation, suspicion and lies (…), but I have to admit that there was political awkwardness. On my part, there was an omission of reading, leisurely and relaxed. If I had, we would not be in this discussion,” Morales said.
Despite the scandal, the Government reaffirmed the need to govern based on data analysis, since ignoring this global trend, “would be to condemn citizenship to ignorance and limit the creation and innovation capacities of governments and societies,” Morales added.
Another to strongly criticize is Ivonne Acuña, legislator for the Neuva Republica.
“Doubts? Too many. Document and version analysis? A lot. Annoyance and outrage? Yes, the same that millions of Costa Ricans feel after learning about how at Casa Presidencial they believe they can do whatever they want with the confidential information of the inhabitants,” said Acuña.
Silvia Hernandez, party whip for the Parido Liberacion Nacional (PLN) said “In the Mideplan file it is very clear that the creation of the Upad is not authorized, but in the Government’s own decree it is stated that there was the endorsement of that institution. This shows us that either legislators do not know how to read, or it is a lie. The country requires answers.”
On Friday, February 28, 2020, the Attorney General’s Office and the Prosecutor’s Office raided Casa Presidencial and several other offices, in search of evidence to support filed complaints.
