The municipality of Puntarenas will close beaches and public spaces at the beginning of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Eve.
According to a statement issued by the local government, Puntarenas beach will close at 2pm these days in order to minimize the large concentrations that could spread the Covid-19.
Public spaces in the districts of Barranca, Roure, Chacarita and central Puntarenas – the Parcs d’el Far, Parc Llop, Parc de l’Muellero, explana de la Concha Acústica and Parc de la Volta a Chacarita Antonio Obando Chan – will have the same reduced hours: 05:00 to 2 pm on December 31 and January 1.
“The above is a preventive action and a call to celebrate these special dates responsibly and taking care of ourselves,” the municipality said in a statement.
“Taking care of ourselves is everyone’s responsibility.”
Limited hours do not affect beaches and communities located outside the central corner of Puntarenas. For example, Jacó (in the corner of Garabito, in the province of Puntarenas) is not affected by this news.
It is not the first time a municipality has chosen to limit beach hours due to the coronavirus. Earlier this year, the central canton of Limón closed beaches for a month in response to an increase in cases in the area.
Costa Rica has suffered 2,037 coronavirus deaths as of Monday. The Ministry of Health reported 658 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, including 248 in intensive care.
If you believe you have COVID-19, contact Costa Rica Hotline at 1322. English-speaking staff and mental health professionals are available. Visit the Costa Rican Presidency for the official list of coronavirus measures and alerts.