El Residente
26 Guest Column II by Frank Lockhart
Traveling COVID-Safe Editor's Note: While Mr. Lockhart is not associated with any recognized health organization, his suggestions in this article make perfect sense.
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e’re pretty lucky to be living in Costa Rica, for many reasons. One of those is the country’s lower COVID infection rate, compared to the USA; at 3.6 percent (total cases/ total population), Costa Rica has slightly less than half of the infection rate of the US. However, that should not be cause to lower one’s guard, COVID is still here and it is still dangerous. We all know about the international travel requirements, but when it comes to moving around in Costa Rica, what are some easy, common-sense precautions that you can take to protect yourself and your friends and family?
TRAVELING BY CAR, TAXI, OR RIDE-SHARE? Using your own car for transportation is obviously the safest mode of transportation (at least in terms of COVID). But for those without cars, the choices are limited. The Ministry of Health has imposed regulations limiting the amount of people on public buses and is requiring taxi drivers to wear masks, etc., but even so, many people have forsaken public transportation.
But what if you need to go somewhere, like food shopping or to the doctor? The answer is to prepare for your transportation before you need it. When it comes to taxis or ride share drivers, finding a trusted person who cleans their vehicle after every passenger, and using only that driver, is an effective way you can reduce your potential exposure to COVID. Here are some steps to consider: • Start by striking up conversations with local taxi drivers at the taxi stands. Learn what precautions they take regarding COVID.
• Ask your friends if they know of a ride-share driver who takes COVID prevention steps seriously. Get the driver’s phone number.
• Although it seems counter-intuitive, take a test drive with whomever you choose, to assess their COVID prevention awareness and practices.
• If you find a driver who cleans his vehicle after every rider, who has hand sanitizer in his car, and who practices good COVID-prevention, form a bond with that person. Tip them well, and tell them you will use only them for your transportation.
If you go shopping or have a doctor’s appointment, pay your driver to wait for you. Of course that’s extra money,
