After 5 months without mandatory use of masks for the general population, the Ministry of Health reinstated it by decree in certain places from today to October 31st, as a measure to reduce the spread of severe respiratory infections, especially for children under 5 years of age, and the possible collapse of the National Children’s Hospital (HNN).

Masks will be required in the following places:

• Public and private schools, Education and Nutrition Centers and Children’s Centers of Integral Care

• Public transportation services (buses, trains and taxis) and ferries

• School transportation

According to the director of the National Children’s Hospital, Olga Arguedas, in the last few weeks, they have treated more than 100 patients for respiratory mild and severe infections, such as syncytial virus and Covid-19. The intensive care unit (ICU) has treated 21 children in very delicate condition and another 10 have needed assisted mechanical ventilation.

The Ministry does not recommend using masks for children under two years of age, however, for children between 2 and 5 years old, its use is advisable -according to the child’s development- but not mandatory.

General recommendations

• Strengthening hand washing with soap and water, and hand sanitizer after contact with contaminated respiratory secretions, objects or materials.

• Use tissues when coughing or sneezing, and implement the proper sneezins  technique, to prevent the spread of aerosols and saliva droplets.

• Avoid crowds that facilitate the spread of any respiratory disease.

• Use of masks in enclosed spaces, especially the population with health risk factors.

The authorities responsible for verifying compliance with the measures in public transportation are the Public Transport Council (CTP) and the Costa Rican Railway Institute (Incofer).

The resolution DM-RM-6661-2022 establishes that the measure will be mandatory for the next two weeks. For now, the use of masks in shops and enclosed spaces is not mandatory.