Costa Rica has now confirmed 416 cases of COVID-19 in the country.

The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, showed his concern over the increase in the number of patients that are now hospitalized and those in intensive care, through this Friday, April 3 the health authorities report 23 patients in the hospital and 13 in intensive care these last ones have ages between 24 and 69.

“Beyond the number of people confirmed on a daily basis, what should concern us should be the number of patients that require hospitalization. This is worrisome, and we all have to take our quote of responsibility, individual effort is determinant to take care of the others”, affirmed Salas.

The Minister also mentioned that the guidelines on how to identify and handle possible patients are updated constantly as investigations about the illness provide more information. Since yesterday the loss of the sense of smell is considered another symptom of Covid19.

Out of the 416 patients positive for coronavirus, 201 are women while 215 are men; 385 are Costa Rican and 31 are foreigners.

A total of 4,044 people has tested negative.

As of Friday  April 3rd Costa Rica has put in place additional restrictions on vehicular traffic. From April 3 until April 7, the evening restriction will run from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. From April 4 until April 7, vehicles allowed on the roads during the day (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will be limited by license plate numbers. From April 8 until April 12, a nationwide vehicle restriction will be enforced at all times. Vehicles will be allowed on the roads only for going to the supermarket, pharmacy, or health centers, and again limited by license plate numbers. Public transport will also be restricted.

Only certain essential services and night shift workers are exempt from the restrictions; drivers not complying with the restrictions will be fined.

Saturday April 4 and Monday April 6: vehicles with plates ending on 0,2,4,6 and 8 RESTRICTED
Sunday April 5 and Tuesday April 7: vehicles with plates ending on 1,3,5,7 and 9 RESTRICTED

Wednesday April 8: vehicles with plates ending on 0 and 1 Authorized for transit
Thursday April 9: vehicles with plates ending on 2 and 3 Authorized for transit
Friday April 10: vehicles with plates ending on 4 and 5 Authorized for transit
Saturday April 11: vehicles with plates ending on 6 and 7 Authorized for transit
Sunday April 12: vehicles with places ending on 8 and 9 Authorized for transit