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Que Pasa Grecia
2021 Update 1
New in Que Pasa Grecia
There’s not much that has been newly added or updated in Que Pasa Grecia since our last update, but here is some timely info on strays and pets:
There will be a spay and neuter clinic in Cajon Grecia on Wednesday, 10 February, at the salon adjacent to the school in Cajon centro. 14-, 16- or 21-mil colones depending on the weight of the dog. They will also be cutting nails and giving parasite injections for 1 and 2 mil. (Cats have to be in a transport container and dogs on a leash with blanket. No food for spay and neuter animals seven hours before the clinic.) For info call: 6129-8820 (Spanish). Call also to reserve space.
Little dog ‘Luna’ was hit by a car over the holidays in Cajon Centro. Diane Cooner’s landlady took her to the vet, no broken bones, and she was spayed shortly thereafter. She has been de-wormed, but the status of her vaccinations is unknown. She is about 6-8 months old, very sweet and playful. Not too large, around 8 kg. (20 lbs.). She needs a loving forever home! This is your opportunity to rescue a precious little soul! (Go to the QPG Animals section for a Luna photo.) Please contact Diane at cr.amani.amor@gmail.com for English queries, or call/message Yolanda at 6360-0305 (Spanish).
During COVID, many families are financially unable to care for their pets and many animals have been abandoned. There is an area-wide need for forever homes for many dogs and cats. If you are looking for a four-legged companion, contact one of the pet shelters listed on our site.
COVID-19 News and Vaccines in Costa Rica
Total COVID-19 cases in Costa Rica are well over 188,000 and we have passed 2,500 fatalities (including 31 in Grecia). Currently, Costa Rica is receiving 33,000+ doses of COVID-19 vaccine per week and that amount is expected to increase as additional vaccines are approved and purchased.
Medicos and the elderly living in senior homes are being vaccinated now. The over-80 crowd is getting vaccinated next. The group age 58-79 is currently scheduled to start being vaccinated at the beginning of the second trimester (May) and, as always, this is subject to change.
BE ALERT. While the new COVID strains MAY be no more fatal than their predecessor, it is clear that the new strains are greatly more contagious than their predecessor. However, it is uncertain if these strains are more resistant to the vaccines now beginning administered. Some initial studies indicate that people who have already had COVID-19 are not as immune to the new strains as to the old one and other initial studies indicate that the vaccines are not as effective at immunizing against the new strains of COVID.
At this time, individuals entering Costa Rica are not required to have had a negative COVID test, but all individuals returning to the States must be tested prior to departure and after arrival and be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine.
Please be careful—social distance and wear your mask in public.Remember, we may be done with COVID-19, but the continuing surge in cases in Costa Rica shows us that COVID-19 is not done with us.
To Receive Your Vaccination, Be Sure to Be registered
In order to be scheduled and called with a vaccination appointment when it’s your turn, you must be registered with your local EBAIS CAJA clinic. Some of you who use the CAJA regularly, are PROBABLY already registered. However, don’t assume that your local CAJA facility: 1) is where your vaccination will be administered; and 2) that your phone number is known and filed with your local CAJA. (After being told that my community EBAIS facility would give the vaccinations, I learned that vaccinations would only be administered at the main Sarchi clinic. I also correctly assumed that they did not have my phone number or my wife’s.)
Sorry, but it is still unclear to your editor whether non-resident foreigners will be included in any of the vaccination groupings.
Driving Restrictions
At the end of January, current driving restrictions are due to be renewed or replaced with something new. Be alert for how any changes in restrictions may impact you.
The IMF/Costa Rica Loan Agreement and You
Subject to approval by the legislature, Costa Rica has agreed to loan terms with the International Monetary Fund. The agreement will address some governmental waste and inequities, and there are some proposed terms, if approved, that may impact expats living here: 1) there will be an additional luxury property tax on homes valued over ȼ150,000.00; and 2) contents of all arriving shipments including containers, boxes and crates will be inspected in order not to miss collection of appropriate duties and taxes. (In addition to ending unobstructed entry of prohibited or permit-required items, the extra inspection time is bound to slow down international delivery times. The agreement running through 2025 is subject to be implemented as early as March.
Beginning of 2021 Reminder
To avoid incurring a penalty, annual active and inactive corporation taxes are due to be paid by the end of January. Go to any BCR branch to make payment. (Your editor is uncertain if this payment can now be made elsewhere or online.)
"Buscar tres pies al gato."
To take the scenic route
Thank you Isabel Arguello for your continuing contributions.
Isabel teaches Spanish and does translations.
Find out more about Isabel on the QuePasaGrecia website.
A vaccine for most of us is still months away, please practice good COVID-19 hygiene,
D. Davis, editor
Diane Cooner, webmaster
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