At a meeting this morning, Thursday, October 5, of emergency officials to discuss the heavy rains from Tropical Storm Nate, the President of Costa Rica Luis Guillermo Solís, declared that all public employees, except emergency and essential workers, will have off today and tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 6.

The decision was based on predictions by the Costa Rican National Meteorological Institute (IMN, in Spanish) that indicate the rains will continue and may intensified throughout the day.

Each public institution will decide which of their staff are essential and need to report to work, said the president.

Solis said his decision aims to ensure the safety and physical integrity of families.

Public schools, infant and children nutrition and feeding centers (Cen-Cinai), and other public services are suspended for the next two days as a preventive measure.

Emergency officials recommend people stay at home and stay informed of the situation through official channels such as national and local emergency commissions.

Those in vulnerable areas near rivers, streams, hills and mountains are advised to evacuate and seek shelter in a secure area.