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Published Tuesday,
March 17, 2020 - updated at 1:00 p.m.-
BREAKING:Number of coronavirus cases rise to 50 By the A.M. Costa
Rica staff
The Ministry of Health confirmed, in a midday Tuesday press conference, 9 new cases of persons infected with the coronavirus covid-19. As of today, there are 50 infected people in the country. According to the statistics provided by authorities, of the 50 patients, 24 are women (48%) and 26 are men (52%). Concerning nationality, 44 are Costa Rican and six are foreigners. Authorities did not provide further information on the condition of the patients. In the case of the infected foreigners, authorities did not release any further information about them. However, last week, three U.S. citizens were confirmed as infected patients. The ages of patients infected with covid-19 range from as young as 10 to as old as 87. Among these are a 10-year-old girl, a 13-year-old boy, and two more children under the age of 13. There is also a U.S. woman, 73, two Costa Rican 70, as well as an 87-year-old patient. The rest of the 40 infected are adults. Cases were reported in the Provinces of Alajuela, San José, Heredia, Guanacaste and Cartago. Authorities decided not to publish a summary of the new cases. "After the 20 people confirmed with coronavirus are surpassed, the instruction of the Surveillance Department is to provide only the information in ranges," said the ministry's press department. Even though the ministry decided not to publish the total number of suspects, authorities confirmed that 720 people classified as suspects were ruled out. Specialists are in the process of confirming or ruling out more coronavirus suspected cases using lab tests. It is expected that updated information about new cases will be released Wednesday. The country remains in a state of emergency over the covid-19 pandemic, according to a new government decree released on Monday. The decree allows the use of government funds to finance needs such as purchasing supplies or attending emergencies in any part of the country, due to the increase in cases of coronavirus.  Starting March 18 until April 12, only Costa Ricans and foreign residents can enter the country. This order applies at all immigration entry points by sea, air and land. Exempt the crew of air transport, commerce or supplies services. Also, Costa Ricans and foreign residents who enter during the restriction will have to perform mandatory preventive isolation for 14 days, ordered by the ministry. However, the General Directorate of Migration announced the suspension of some of it services as precautionary measures due to the coronavirus national emergency. For that reason, foreigners can remain in the country under the tourist visa category until May 17. Then, it is not required to renew the tourist visa before that date. This new rule applies to all foreigners tourists who have entered the country after Dec 17, 2019, and whose visa expires before May 17, said the Directorate in its statement. After May 17, foreigners must advance with the regular tourist visa renewal process or leave the country. Costa Rica joins Guatemala and El Salvador with strict emergency immigration entry post precautions for foreigners as a safety measure to fight the spread of covid-19. Across the pond, the European Commission (EC) proposed to close for 30 days, halting all non-essential travel. Another government measure was suspended all public and private schools, including higher education from March 17 to April 4. Schools are set to reopen on April 13, extending the end of the school year until December 23. Authorities requested all public works employees to work from home. In addition, the Episcopal Conference, an organization that leads the Catholic Church in the country, reported on Monday that it will suspend all types of activities for the public until further notice.  Today were 194,618 cases reported coronavirus covid-19 cases globally, where 7,894 patients died and 81,080 patients in total recovery, according to the most current information from WHO. Last week, covid-19 was classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, WHO. ------------------------------- What are the emergency measures in your country due to the coronavirus? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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