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Published Monday, April 13, 2020
Increase restriction measures
for the rest of the month
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
In order to reduce the possibility of transmission of the coronavirus covid-19, the government announced more restrictions on commercial activities and driving.
Authorities expected to rise over 600 patients by today’s afternoon updated report.
According to the government, the new measures will last until May 1.
Regarding the ban on driving, there will be two types of restrictions. Some limitations will be done during the week, and another will be active during the weekend.
Applied throughout the country, the first type of driving restriction is from Monday to Friday, from 5 a.m. at 7 p.m. These specific rules apply to the last number on the vehicle license plate:
- On Monday, vehicles with plates that end in 1 or 2 cannot be used.
- On Tuesday, vehicles with plates that end in 3 or 4 cannot be used.
- On Wednesday, vehicles with plates that end in 5 or 6 cannot be used.
- On Thursday, vehicles with plates that end in 7 or 8 cannot be used.
- On Friday, vehicles with plates that end in 9 or 0 cannot be used.
The second type of driving ban has no regulation by plate number, yet still enforced countrywide.
All driving between the hours of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day is prohibited.
The only exceptions to this driving ban are:
- Public transportation, as buses will be able to circulate from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- So-called red-cabs have no restrictions.
- Those providing delivery of meals, medicines, purchases of supplies, etc., do not have any type of restriction. In other words, they will work with their regular operations.
- Official vehicles of government organizations related to the emergency of the covid-19, red cross, fire brigade, police, representatives from the Prosecutor' Office and representatives from the National Patronage of Children known as PANI.
In addition, restrictions also increase in commercial activities such as shops, restaurants, supermarkets, veterinary clinics, gas stations, beauty salons, restaurants, malls, banks, government offices, and public institutions among others.
During the weekdays, from Monday to Friday, government companies or offices are allowed to work between the hours of 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., as long as they serve a maximum of 50% of the clients at the same time.
Only half of the customers at capacity of the place will be able to enter the stores.
Restaurants offering drive-thru services may remain open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Companies that offer food and medicine sales, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, health centers, so-called pulperías, grocery stores, mini-supers, convenience stores, can open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the condition that their establishment remains at half capacity or less at all times.
Regarding the ban on driving during the weekend, they will only be able to drive from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Between the hours of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. there will be a ban on driving applicable to all vehicles, as follows:
- On Saturday, only vehicles that have their plates ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 are not allowed to transit.
- On Sunday, only vehicles that have their plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are not allowed to transit.
It is important to note that during weekends, people can only use their vehicles if they are going to shop at supermarkets, pick-up food or medicine. There is an exception for those heading to health centers.
During the weekend, bus transportation will operate from 4 a.m. at 11 p.m.
Cabs, so-called red taxi, can circulate without restrictions.
During the weekend, all types of businesses or government institutions must remain closed.
The home delivery service will not have a time restriction.
In addition, there are new restrictions for places of entertainment such as bars, clubs, theaters and cinemas. These should remain closed throughout the week.
Special transportation services for schools, academia or tourism services are banned.
However, companies are authorized to offer transportation services to their workers.
The ferry service in the Puntarenas Port will operate only twice a day.
All borders remain closed, and any international transportation is prohibited by land, air, or sea. The only exception is the export or import of food and merchandise.
Public institutions will keep within their offices only 20% of their employees. The rest of the public employees should continue their work from home.
The exceptions to this rule are emergency services, or public services such as electricity, telecommunications or drinking water.
All public or private educational services are maintained in the form of virtual classes only.
Government authorities will keep updating preventive measures to stop the increase of the virus in the country.
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What other restrictions should the authorities order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus covid-19 ? We would like to
know your thoughts on this story. Send your
comments to news@amcostarica.com
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