Every day seems to bring new developments related to the new coronavirus, called COVID-19, and the uncertainty of the disease can be unsettling, especially to travelers.

At Veragua Rainforest, we understand your concerns and we want to let you know that we are taking all the preventive measures to ensure the impact is zero or minimal.

The Government of Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health, and the Costa Rica Tourism Board have established protocols that cover public and private health services, international airports, tourism services, educational centers, and mass gathering events.

Since the end of February, the Costa Rican Government, via the Ministry of Health, has been informing citizens on a mass scale about the new coronavirus and prevention measures.

They continue to insist that the population strictly adhere to health recommendations. Information on the COVID-19 virus, which follows the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), has been distributed to the entire national tourism sector.

Protocols of action have been implemented in both international airports and the cruise ship ports in anticipation of any potential ingress of COVID-19.

The Costa Rica Ministry of Health reported on March 6 the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus in Costa Rica, introduced by a tourist from the United States. “We reiterate to the population that they remain calm.

Confirmation of this case does not mean that there is active transmission in our country,” said Costa Rica’s Health Minister Daniel Salas. “In fact, the work of the Ministry of Health and the institutions involved continues along the same lines as acted on so far, just as the same vital recommendations for the population are still given: hand washing, sneezing and coughing protocol, not touching your face if you have not washed your hands, and avoiding attending mass events if you have respiratory symptoms.”

“It is vital to emphasize that it is not necessary to buy masks; these are only recommended for sick people and caregivers and in those cases, they are provided by health services,” Salas added. The Health Ministry has indicated that it is not necessary at this time in Costa Rica to cancel mass events or to suspend classes at schools and universities.

There’s been a lot of talk and fear around the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This week, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) said that the risk to the general public remains low and encourages Americans to go about their lives.

At Veragua Rainforest, we are clear that the best defense against the COVID-19 virus is through attentive personal hygiene and care. We are following all guidelines recommended by the Costa Rica Ministry of Health to ensure our staff and visitors are well informed of the prevention techniques, and that our facilities and vehicles have adequate hygiene supplies. In addition, we have a paramedic at Veragua Rainforest in case someone needs medical assistance.

Please be assured that at Veragua Rainforest, our commitment to safety and health is paramount and we are active in the prevention of the new coronavirus. If you have a direct concern about traveling to Costa Rica at this time, please let us know and we will contact you immediately.