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Que Pasa Grecia
2021 Update 5
New in Que Pasa Grecia
In items for sale, we’ve added an SUV, a power miter saw and a pressure washer since our last update.
COVID-19 Is Backing Off a Bit in Costa Rica
The average number of daily COVID deaths last month was 26, but the number of average daily cases of COVID-19 have come down since our last update. However while the country has received over two-million doses of vaccine, only 600,000 citizens/residents have been fully vaccinated, which amounts to only about 12% of the population. The country is now stretching out administering second doses to 2 to 2 ½ months in order to get more of the population some kind of COVID-19 protection.
In the U.S., the CDC is recommending vaccination of everyone 12 and older as the new strains of COVID are more dangerous for youth and younger adults. The numbers of youth age 12-18 catching COVID-19 is up and based on a small study almost 1/3 in this age group who get it are winding up in intensive care with 5% ending up being ventilated.
Still, it’s too early to relax and let our guards down. The number of deaths in Grecia since the pandemic began is now up to 61 and Naranjo 32. Both cantons are seeing COVID deaths three times per capita higher than Sarchi’s 5, but even five deaths is too many. Most of our subscribers can now get access to the vaccine at their local EBAIS. We still remain far from herd immunity. So, get yourself an appointment and get vaccinated.
Remember, we may be done with COVID-19, but COVID-19 is not done with us.
“Sanitary Driving Restrictions” Get Confusing
Every-other-day even plate (beginning Monday, 7 June) and odd plate (Tuesday, 8 June) driving restrictions have been extended through Sunday, 13 June. According to the chart released by MOPT, for weekdays for the two weeks beginning Monday, 14 June, through Friday, 25 June, vehicles will be restricted from circulating one day a week (with plates ending 1 and 2 no driving on Mondays, and so on).
Beginning Saturday, 19 June through Sunday, 11 July, weekends will be odd plates permitted to drive on odd days and even plates permitted to drive on even days.
Believe me, it’ll be easier to keep it straight if you use the chart. The driving curfew times will continue seven nights a week from 9pm to 5am through Sunday, 11 July.
Automatic Visa Extensions Expire
All non-residents who have been stuck here or have chosen to remain since the end of 2019 had their automatic visa extensions expire 1 June (and they are not being extended). By now, these folks should have already applied for additional extensions or be in the process of leaving the country. Remaining without being granted a visa extension could subject them to deportation, a fine or both.
The $500 Customs Duty Exemption Has Been Rescinded
In the past, many of us took advantage of the semi-annual $500 customs duty exemption to bring in goods not exceeding $500 (including shipping costs). In its search for more revenue, the government has suspended this exemption. Aeropost, for one, has already changed its offering to customers, but it is unclear at this time whether or how incoming goods carried in personal airport luggage will be subjected to valuation, duties, and taxes on arrival.
Compounding the confusion likely to come from this action, several months ago customs said they will be opening all containers and boxes coming into the country to be certain that all duties and taxes due are paid before merchandise is released to the recipient.
“Ponerse como un tomate”.
English equivalent: to turn as red as a beet.
Thank you Isabel Arguello for your continuing contributions.
Isabel teaches Spanish and does translations.
Find out more about Isabel on the QuePasaGrecia website.
Stay safe, get vaccinated, and wear a mask,
D. Davis, editor
Diane Cooner, webmaster
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