UPDATE:
The government ordered the closure of commercial establishments during the next week as a measure to try to counteract the increase in COVID-19 cases in the country. The decision was made after a meeting on Thursday morning between government authorities and representatives of various business chambers and will apply to the central region of the country. The measure applies as of Monday, May 3 and momentarily until Sunday, May 9.
It includes all types of establishments whose business operation is not essential. Establishments dedicated to home service, self-services, hotels, among others, will be exempt from complying with the closure measures.
This is the list of exceptions:
• Home services
• Public and private health establishments, pharmacies
• Waste collection Supermarkets, suppliers and grocery stores; bakeries, butchers, farmer's fairs.
• Hardware stores and construction materials.
• Banking services
• Self-service
However, this Wednesday a record number of infected cases was reported, as well as saturation in ICUs. Once the first week of restriction has elapsed, the authorities will begin a review of the administrative measures, the communication campaigns will be expanded and the work of the 9-1-1 with volunteers will be reinforced.
The cantons subject to the restriction are
San José: San José, Escazú, Desamparados, Aserrí, Mora, Goicoechea, Santa Ana, Alajuelita, Vásquez de Coronado, Tibás, Moravia, Montes de Oca and Curridabat.
Alajuela: Alajuela, Poás, Atenas, Grecia, Sarchí, Palmares, Naranjo, San Ramón and Zarcero
Cartago: Cartago, Paraíso, La Unión, Alvarado, Oreamuno and El Guarco
Heredia: Heredia, Barva, Santo Domingo, Santa Bárbara, San Rafael, San Isidro, Belén, Flores and San Pablo
https://www.crhoy.com/economia/gobierno ... ma-semana/NOTE: Although hotels are listed on the exceptions, no word on changes to occupancy limits. Also no mention of restaurants, bars, or casinos. I would speculate massage parlors will not be considered "essential services" though I know some who would disagree.
UPDATE: It appears restaurants in hotels can open with 50% occupancy.
https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/estos- ... 9-de-mayo/Also current driving restrictions (9pm - 5am) have been extended to May 31.
that bars and restaurants are closed next week (probably longer). Being that hotels are open and all the ones we frequent like Sportsman, Havana, Taormina, etc. have a bar/restaurant inside. I never stay at any of these places when in town, but frequent them daily to drink, watch sports, and socialize along with most others that I know there including ticos and ticas. Will we still be able to do this during these closures?