As of 6PM Thursday, March 12th, there were 23 confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in Costa Rica up from 22 on Wednesday the 11th. Authorities assured that they were prepared for a surge in that number, as has happened in other countries, Italy being a comparable small country with a well-developed medical system. Doctors, nurses and hospitals were standing by. Then the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on Wednesday, and things became much more alarming, especially for a country like Costa Rica with limited medical resources and facilities.

Would Costa Rica really have enough medical staff, equipment and hospital beds if the virus surges as it has in other countries? Experts contacted by The Star stated off the record, that there was already a severe shortage of hospital beds in many areas, and a dramatic shortage of medical equipment, most especially ventilators. Most COVID-19 sufferers experience difficulties in breathing as a result of the virus, and according to an anonymous hospital worker in San Jose, “We already lack space in our hospitals – patients are being treated in the halls – and ventilators?, we don’t have enough for the patients who need them for diseases other than COVID-19!”

The CAJA (public health service) stated on Wednesday that they would offer free treatment to those presenting COVID-19 symptoms, whether they are Costa Rican or not, insured or not, tourists, or people who have over-stayed their visas: everyone will be treated for free.

The NY Times sent reporters to Italy to report on the corona virus situation there, which is at least one month further evolved than Costa Rica. What they found was heart breaking. Hospital workers are being forced to triage patients, deciding who stands the best chance of surviving, and putting them on ventilators, while others have only oxygen tanks. Commented an Italian doctor, “We are having to play God, something none of us learned in medical school.” Could this situation repeat itself in Costa Rica?”
According to medical experts in Costa Rica, a lot depends on how closely Ticos obey the suggestions of health authorities to practice proper hand washing, coughing/sneezing etiquette, social distancing, avoidance of large crowds, and avoidance of people who seem already sick. These suggestions are crucial for the health of all Costa Ricans. It is really in the hands of everyone to protect themselves and their fellow citizens by abiding by these suggestions.

Hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, masks and antibacterial soap has become as scarce as gold, though soap and water seems to work just as well, especially if used every two hours as recommended by experts. Both airports have strong protocols in place to handle new cases entering the country. The big sea ports are reportedly following all protocols for ships and ship staff entering Costa Rica. Stronger restrictions on entry/exit of Costa Rica seem likely soon.

Said Giovanni Belletti of the Italian Health Ministry when asked for his advice for Costa Rica, “It’s really in your hands completely. Everyone needs to pull together to look after your fellow countrymen, especially the elderly. The virus often takes nine days to “blossom”, so everyone should maintain their social distance from each other. That’s hard for Latins – I know – but by June coronavirus will probably be under control. In the meantime, everyone is responsible for protecting everyone else; it’s the Christian thing to do.” Amen

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