Beginning May 1, Costa Rica will begin to ease the lockdown measures that have brought the country to a standstill over the past month and a half. However, while the decrease in COVID-19 cases continues on a daily basis, the country will only incrementally reopen over the next few weeks, with social distancing measures being rolled back every fifteen days.

Unfortunately, for a country so dependent on tourism, the government has stated that tourists will still not be allowed into the country, and with borders, beaches and national parks to remain closed until at least May 15, there is little celebration for businesses that are either directly or indirectly part of the industry. Additionally, the driving restrictions enforced on April 13 will also remain in place until May 15, meaning that only specific license plates are permitted on the roads on specific days.

However, for those already in the country, news of theaters, gyms and athletic centers being reopened will at least bring some respite from the lockdown. Additionally, beauty salons and barber shops can also reopen at 50% capacity, while bicycle rentals will also be permitted.

Through these tentative steps, Costa Rica hopes to work towards a safe and controlled reopening of the country, and mass gatherings remain suspended for the time being in order to ensure another breakout does not follow after the country has worked so hard to keep cases down.

For more information on the latest changes affecting the tourist industry in Costa Rica, visit the Costa Rica Tourism Board here.

How to Support Businesses in Costa Rica

Whether you’re an expat resident, a regular traveler to Costa Rica, or you had planned a trip to the country during the crisis, supporting local businesses may be on your mind. Costa Rica is heavily dependent on tourism, and while the country remains closed for business, many businesses and local communities are struggling.

This is particularly true in a country that has significantly developed its eco-tourism sector over the past decade. Many of the sanctuaries, reserves, farms, and plantations are dependent on the income generated from tourism, and still have significant overheads when people do not visit.

Donating money can help, and sanctuaries such as the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, and the The Sloth Conservation Foundation are actively searching donations during the crisis in order to ensure animals can receive the care that they need. Any donation received will go to keeping sanctuaries such as these running, and there is a wealth to choose from in Costa Rica.

Additionally, if you find you have plenty of time on your hands during lockdown in Costa Rica or beyond, then the Costa Rica Corps is looking for remote volunteers to help small businesses and non-profits that depend on tourism. This volunteer movement aims to connect your specific skills to a those in need, and whether you’re a fundraiser, a writer, a lawyer, or a graphic designer, your talents could help make a difference.

Finally, like many countries around the world, if you had a trip planned to Costa Rica that you were unable to take because of the crisis, the best way to support businesses is to postpone and rearrange rather than cancel. In most cases, airlines, hotels, and other businesses are making it as easy as possible for you to do this, and as soon as the tourism sector reopens in the country, you’ll have the chance to visit again—plus, you’ll have something to look forward to once all this is over!

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