Published Tuesday, April 28, 2020 

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

On Monday the Government released new guidelines for businesses reopening on May 1, which were forced to close due to the increase in cases of patients infected with covid -19.

According to the government, the new measures for the reopening of companies and businesses will be gradual and will depend on the number of cases infected with the virus in the country.

However, if the number of patients infected with the virus increases, restrictions on the businesses will be ordered again, the government said in its statement.

Certain business hours are extended from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Cinemas and theaters can reopen on the condition that their seats must be separated by 2 meters between each person. And tickets must be purchased ahead of time online.

Sport venues and places of practices can open if people maintain a distance of 2 meters between each person. Only non-contact sports are allowed. Athletic places should only have 25% of people's normal capacity.

The same rules apply to gyms and public pools. Customers can only enter with appointments. And there must be a different schedule for clients with risk factors. For example, people over the age of 65 must have a special time aside from regular hours.

There are businesses with different regulations. Some businesses may open their establishment to the public all week, with restricted hours from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Beauty salons and barbershops must remain at half capacity if they want to remain open during this trial period. No walk-ins. Clients must enter with a previous appointment. And stylists must keep at a distance of 2 meters between each other.

The same rules apply to vehicle and motorcycle repair shops. Parking lots will open on the condition that people maintain 2 meters of social distance.

All other businesses not previously mentioned must continue with the presidential order not to serve the public issued in March. Businesses such as private schools, tourism centers, Malls, among many others must remain closed.

However, President Carlos Alvarado issued a directive on Monday coordinating an opening of companies and public institutions.

The guidelines were created by each company, and approved by the Ministry of Health.

"Only the Ministry of Health will appoint the time when economic activities can be restored," said President Alvarado.

Once the activity is enabled, the Ministry of Health will carry out random inspections to verify compliance with the guideline, the government said in its statement.

"Those who fail to comply with the general guidelines and guidelines will have their sanitary operating permit suspended for one month," the government added.

To create the guidelines, companies must comply with the following rules ordered by the ministry:

- Constantly verify that the guidelines are being applied.

- People with symptoms or signs of cold or flu are prohibited from attending work, study or meeting places.

-Telecommuting, also called telework, must continue in companies.

- Create a guideline of action in the presence of a suspected or confirmed case of covid-19 in the company.

- Keep all employees and customers updated about the precautionary measures.

- Visible information about the guidelines on coughing, sneezing, hand washing, among others.

- Restrooms must be equipped with toilet paper, antibacterial soap, alcohol or gel solution of at least 60% of alcohol, paper towels for drying hands and drinking water.

- Create a cleaning guideline that specifies the products to be used, the frequency, the personal protective equipment, as well as the correct form for the disposal of waste.

- Regarding ventilation, priority should be given to natural ventilation. In case of not having this, air conditioning can be used with the replacement of filters according to the specifications of each equipment.

The government also provided rules of the use of space within companies or stores, as follows:

- All shops or companies must keep at no more than 50% of their capacity to guarantee that there’s the recommended social distance of 2 meters between people.

- Work spaces should not be shared, even in sequential shifts.

- Tools or office items should not be shared between employees.

- Frequently clean and disinfect facilities with alcohol or sanitizers.

- Give priority to the attention of clients by appointments.

- Set a special schedule of customer service for vulnerable populations.

- People meetings, for example between employees, should be virtual whenever possible. If they are in person, they should not exceed 1 hour and keep a minimum of 2 meters of social distance.

- Eating schedules must be established in the company's dining rooms for employees, to keep 50% of the people in the same area.

- Promote deliveries of products to reduce the number of customers inside the store.

- Divide workers or production teams into groups to ensure that there are "backup teams" that can ensure production on all work shifts.

- Reduce visits from people outside the company.

- If an employee has the symptoms of a suspected covid-19 case, they will not be allowed to enter the workplace. The person must be provided with a face mask and sent to the nearest health center.

Any company that does not comply with the aforementioned rules will have their Health License for Operation suspended for one month, said the government.

If the company breaks rules more than one time, their License of Operation will be suspended indefinitely.

The strict driving regulations will remain unchanged. However, the government announced that on May 11 the situation of covid-19 in the country will be assessed so that more changes in the new regulations could be ordered.

For more information on how to apply the rules for each company, or a specific business, the ministry can be reached at the line (506) 2223-0333.


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What other types of businesses should be authorized to open during the covid-19 emergency?   We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com