Costa Rica has started to ease some COVID-19 measures effective today, in an initiative to progressively reactivate the economy of the country sans provoking a health crisis.

Specifically, gyms, athletic centers, and cinemas that had not been operating since the middle of March are now allowed to open but under strict sanitary procedures. However, many are not opening their doors just yet.

In a statement, the Physical Conditioning Centers of Costa Rica (CAFCO) said that most of the gyms in it is representing won't be operational until May 11. 

According to CAFCO, to improve the conditions of hygiene and security for its customers, "the majority of affiliate gyms" have decided to wait.

More so, CAFCO explained, they are in discussions with the authorities to allow their personnel to meet the protocols which the Health Ministry established.


Cinemas Not Opening Immediately

Similarly, the Chamber of Distributors and the Cinematographic Exhibitors of Costa Rica or CADEC said, theaters prioritize the execution of sanitary procedures and all together, will open at a future date.

CADEC executive director, Ramon Maria Yglesias Piza said they know that the sanitary measures require collaboration between each cinema, its clients, and its collaborators since they will all be essential parts of the correct execution of such measures.

Consequently, the executive director said, until they are all aligned, that's when they'd give a go-signal to begin operations. As of today, gyms are allowed "to operate during the week at 25 percent of their rated capacity."

And, as these gyms operate, they need to offer as well, reservations, and special hours for populations that are at risk. Similarly, movie theaters are allowed to operate during the week, as long as they ensure a two-meter or 6.5-feet space is between guests. 

Another condition that the movie theaters need to be amenable to operate is that they should apply the electronic ticketing or e-ticketing system. Despite the said measures and requirements, CADEC said, movie theaters will not reopen right away.

It also added that the sector received the announcement of the Health Ministry with so much enthusiasm, not to mention deep commitment. "Our priority," Yglesias explained, "is that our collaborators are safe, working in a clean and suitable environment."

More so, under the premise, the CADEC official elaborated, that their clients find the theaters completely clean. And, while CADEC did not specify when the cinemas would reopen, San Jose-based Cine Magaly estimated reopening could take place any day from May 14 to 21.


The Possibility of Offering Evening Shows

The said dates may coincide with the probability of offering evening shows, as well, or weekend exhibitions, perhaps. This was according to the historic theater, the Barrio la California. 

On top of the gym- and cinema-specific procedures, the Health Ministry also said, open businesses Health Ministry said that all open businesses need to follow a list of general orders which include refurbishing standards for cleaning and ensuring social distancing.

Should Costa Rica continue its relative success in containing the spread of COVID-19, more companies will be given the go-signal to work toward their return to operations, the government said. 

Specifically, President Carlos Alvarado said, the work for all Costa Ricans and residents "is crucial to have ongoing successes," such as the delicate success they have had so far.


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