Through May 4th the number of patients positive with Covid-19 in Costa Rica was of 742 according to the update provided by the Ministry of Health.

339 people are now recovered, however, 17 remain hospitalized and 5 of them in the intensive care unit.

The Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, insisted that the population cannot let the guard down, even though the curve of transmissions has been stable for the past couple of weeks the situation can take a turn for the worse at any given moment.

The Government is also taking measures to start reactivating the economy little by little and provided additional guidelines for businesses that are resuming operations. Some of these guidelines are:

-For restaurants: Maintaining the occupation to a maximum 50% of its capacity is still in order, businesses must ensure that bathrooms are properly equipped with soap dispensers, paper towels or air dryer, toilet paper and trash cans that open with the use of a foot pedal. Hand sanitizer must be made available specially in the cashier area and at the entrance for clients to use when they come in and out. Signs must be visible reminding clients to disinfect their hands.

-Companies must avoid face to face meetings and if absolutely necessary maintaining security distance is a must.

-If there are elevators, the number of people using a unit at the same time must be restricted according to the capacity of the elevator and considering keeping 1.8 meters between people.

-Barber shops, beauty salons and aesthetic centers must increase all sanitary measures, disinfecting all equipment, tools and surfaces that clients touch with more frequency than usual. It is recommended to offer services by appointment only and ensure people in the waiting area can maintain the security distance. It is also recommended to offer a specific schedule for senior citizens and/or vulnerable population. Personnel that works closely with clients must always wear a face mask and gloves when necessary. Clean and disinfect after each service.

Health authorities also clarified that it is OK for members of the same household to exercise together.

Sports activities such as tennis and cycling and all others that can be practiced individually or maintaining a distance of at least 1.8 meters can resume as long as distance is maintained and sanitary measures are followed.