By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica is confronting a notable resurgence in COVID-19 activity, as the latest data from the Ministry of Health reveals a significant uptick in confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and related fatalities. For the epidemiological week spanning September 8th to 14th, public health officials have raised concerns as the SARS-CoV-2 virus regains momentum, solidifying its position as the second most prevalent respiratory virus circulating in the nation.
According to the ministry’s most recent report, the country registered 112 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 during this period. This figure represents a sharp 24.44% increase compared to the 90 cases recorded in the preceding week. The strain on the healthcare system is also growing, with hospitalizations showing an even more pronounced spike. An average of 28 individuals were hospitalized daily, marking a 33.33% rise from the previous week’s average of 21 patients.
To analyze the legal and business implications of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. We sought his expert perspective on the current responsibilities facing employers and the government in this renewed public health challenge.
This new wave of COVID-19 presents a critical legal test. Employers must navigate the delicate balance between ensuring a safe workplace, which is their legal duty, and respecting employees’ rights regarding remote work or health status. Any new government sanitary orders will face intense scrutiny, as the ‘state of emergency’ justifications from 2020 no longer carry the same weight. Businesses should proactively review and update their internal health protocols based on current labor law and Ministry of Health directives, rather than waiting for mandatory enforcement, to mitigate both public health risks and potential legal liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s analysis correctly highlights a crucial shift from the reactive emergency measures of 2020 to a new phase demanding proactive legal and sanitary strategy from employers. This proactive stance is indeed the key to navigating the dual responsibilities of public health and individual rights. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this complex issue.
The report also included preliminary data on virus-associated deaths, a metric that officials are monitoring closely. The ministry noted three fatalities linked to COVID-19 during the week, emphasizing the provisional nature of this information pending further review.
Regarding the behavior of deaths associated with COVID-19, there were three fatalities; however, it is important to note that this is preliminary data subject to revision.
Ministry of Health
Genomic sequencing conducted by the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (Inciensa) provides a clearer picture of the viral landscape driving this new wave. An analysis updated through September 16th confirms that the LP.8.1 lineage is now the most dominant strain in the country, accounting for 41.7% of all sequenced cases. It is closely followed by the globally recognized JN.1 variant, which makes up 34.1% of infections. Other variants, such as XEC (8.1%) and XFG (7.4%), also remain in circulation.
Of particular interest to health authorities is the emergence of the NB.1.8.1 sublineage, which is currently under monitoring by the World Health Organization. Popularly nicknamed “razor blade throat” due to the severe sore throat it often causes, this variant is steadily increasing its footprint. It now represents 1.8% of analyzed sequences, with 14 confirmed cases in the country—a notable increase from just five cases identified in late July. This growth highlights its potential for wider transmission.
Experts are taking note of its distinct clinical presentation. An epidemiologist from the National University (UNA) previously explained the variant’s characteristics, highlighting its transmissibility and unique primary symptom.
It is becoming one of the most frequent variants, with a high capacity for contagion and symptoms similar to previous versions of COVID, but with a clear change in how it affects the throat.
Juan José Romero, Epidemiologist, National University (UNA)
Beyond the characteristic sore throat, NB.1.8.1 can present with symptoms resembling allergies, including watery eyes and a runny nose, as well as classic viral signs like fever, headache, and fatigue. For individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or cancer, this variant poses a higher risk of severe respiratory complications that may require hospitalization.
In response to the evolving viral threat, Costa Rica has been proactive in its vaccination strategy. Since May, an updated COVID-19 vaccine formulated to provide protection against recent variants, including emergent sublineages, has been available to the public. Health officials are urging citizens to seek out the new shot to bolster their immunity.
This new vaccine has the ability to protect us against the viruses that are circulating at this moment.
Roberto Arroba, National Commission for Vaccination and Epidemiology
The country has secured over 700,000 doses of the updated formula, which are being distributed through the health centers of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja). The vaccine is available to all individuals, regardless of whether they have pre-existing risk factors. While overall infection levels remain below the peaks seen in previous years, the sustained increase in key metrics underscores the importance of continued vigilance and public health measures.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Health
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the principal government body in Costa Rica responsible for public health policy, regulation, and oversight. It leads national efforts in disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of the country’s healthcare system to ensure the well-being of its citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (Inciensa)
About Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (Inciensa):
Inciensa is a key public health institution in Costa Rica dedicated to research and education in nutrition and health. It plays a critical role in epidemiological surveillance, including the genomic sequencing of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, providing vital data to guide national health strategies.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, leading global efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About National University (UNA):
The National University of Costa Rica (Universidad Nacional) is one of the country’s leading public universities, known for its strong focus on research, social sciences, and humanities. It contributes significantly to national development through academic excellence and community engagement.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Commission for Vaccination and Epidemiology
About National Commission for Vaccination and Epidemiology:
The National Commission for Vaccination and Epidemiology is the technical advisory body in Costa Rica that guides the country’s immunization policies and strategies. It is responsible for evaluating and recommending vaccines for the national program to control and prevent infectious diseases.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social or CCSS) is the public institution in charge of the nation’s universal healthcare system and social security. It manages a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics, providing medical services to the vast majority of the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience into pioneering innovative legal strategies while remaining dedicated to a greater social purpose. This core mission involves empowering the public by making complex legal knowledge both transparent and accessible, ultimately working to cultivate a more capable and informed society.
