On Friday Costa Rica broke a new record for COVID-19 cases with a count of 1193 new cases, the highest since the pandemic began, and surpassing the August 13th total of 1072 new cases. The continual increase in cases is worrisome, especially given the country’s plan to enter a new phase of economic reopening on September 9, and the gradual return of tourists in recent weeks. Minister of Health Daniel Salas has ordered a change in the rules regarding face coverings, to begin on September 9.

The new rules require cloth or surgical face masks to be used indoors, either alone or with face shields. Face shields by themselves will no longer be acceptable. Said Salas, “In closed spaces with little air circulation, it is important to use a face mask, and for added protection, also a face shield (careta in Spanish). This provides extra protection during the next phase of Costa Rica’s reopening beginning September 9.” Caretas may be used in conjunction with face masks, but not by themselves.

There has been a recent change in the way COVID-19 cases are counted, which has made the increase in cases seem more dramatic than before. For instance, of the 1193 new cases documented on Friday, 977 were confirmed via a PCR test analyzed in an accredited laboratory, while the remaining 216 cases were confirmed by the “por nexo” method. The por nexo method counts people who have been quarantined at home, or self-quarantined at home, or who are living with someone who has a confirmed case. Minister of Health Salas himself falls into this group as he is self-quarantining at home after possibly being exposed to the virus during a visit with his father at the hospital. Por nexo is a way to prevent over-crowding of hospitals and health facilities, and of helping to stop the spread of the virus.

According to Salas, the use of personal protection equipment like masks is less about protecting yourself, but rather about protecting others. He reminded citizens that 40% of COVID cases are asymptomatic, and scientists feel much of the infection spread comes from these individuals. He said, “If we all protect ourselves, almost no one will become infected. If we get lazy about these preventive measures, there will be even more people sick.”

According to the British scientific magazine The Lancet, studies show that face masks reduce the probability of infection from 17% to 3%, a difference that can save lives. Researchers have found that COVID-19 is transmitted mainly through aerosol droplets which linger in the air for considerable time. Masks stop those droplets. Face shields do not. Studies show that face shields allow droplets to escape into the air either from the sides or the bottom of the shield. They do, however, protect the eyes.
Said Minister Salas, “The combination of both mask and shield is definitely the recommended method of protection.” If you must choose one of the two, beginning on September 9th, make sure it is a mask

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