Covid-19, Costa Rica, and Other Musings

As of today - June 20, 2020 - the number of new cases of Covid-19 has risen to 69. The government immediately suspended the third phase reopening plans and we are now following restrictions that were implemented during Semana Santa (Easter Sunday). You can read about it in this issue of the Tico Times.

For us, our life goes on as normal. We just need to be aware of what days we cannot drive (Fridays and Sundays) and where we can drive to on other days. We are impressed with how Costa Rica has been and is handling this epidemic.

This past week, I had to pick up my prescriptions at our hospital’s farmacia (pharmacy). There was quite a long lineup leading from the entrance to the street and down along the sidewalk. Everyone observed distancing and most people were wearing masks. It was slow moving and I must have shuffled along for an hour. Nearing the entrance, the hospital employee who was keeping everyone in check and in the right lines asked me if I was over 65. Since I am, he wanted to move me to the Old Folks and Other Deserving Conditions lineup. I didn’t really want to move as my lineup was moving faster.

Well, as is often the case here, a Costa Rican decided to be my guardian. He patted me on the shoulder and moved me to the new lineup whether I wanted to be there or not! He let me go ahead of him - Costa Ricans are very polite, like Canadians (haha).  I apologized for my Spanish but we still managed a conversation of sorts. Yes, I live in Grecia in the Puente de Piedra area. He lives in the San Isidro area. I’m a Canadian. He drives a motorcycle. He yelled out to his friends in other lineups, “Poor English”! They all laughed. I thanked him for his help when I was leaving with my prescriptions. It is these day to day unexpected interactions with Costa Ricans that really enrich our living experience here.

On one of my Facebook Costa Rican expat groups, there was a discussion of how Covid-19 and isolation practices have seriously impacted some people’s lives. The people who are very outgoing seem to be hit the hardest. They are used to meeting friends, going to dances, socializing, meeting at restaurants and they understandably miss this.

Today (Saturday) has been overcast with some rain. Our Cat knows how to deal with it:

So, everyone, stay safe - wear your masks, practice social distancing and take good care of you and yours.