(UPDATED APRIL 23rd)
During what is a very anxious and difficult time worldwide because of the threat of COVID-19, the Witch’s Rock Family would like to take a moment to let you know what the situation currently is in Costa Rica. As of this time there are 495 active cases with 6 deaths of COVID-19 in the country. 180 people have recovered from the virus. There have been well over 11,000 tests for the virus that came back negative for COVID-19. Costa Rica has canceled all mass gatherings along with night clubs, bars, and casinos. The government is also limiting restaurants to 50% occupancy, closed national parks, closed beaches, and have closed over 350 schools. All of this has been done out of an abundance of caution. In an effort to flatten the potential of spread.
Costa Rica has closed its boarders to international tourism until May 15th.
Good news is that these strict measures are paying off. We are seeing more recoveries than new cases for the sixth straight day (as of April 23rd). See the graph below provided by the Tico Times for the details.
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is open locally but with a temporary staff reduction because of the facts above. This reduction of staff is temporary and has been done in accordance with Costa Rican Law which mandates liquidations for staff of salary including vacation time at a rate that is scaled by length of service and rate of pay. This reduction is the Costa Rican version of lay off insurance in the USA. The layoff was also for the protection of our employees in order to reduce their exposure to the potential of catching and the spread of COVID-19. We anticipate that at some point that there will also be an order from the government to shelter in place. As of today, there are no guests staying at our camp and we anticipate things to be this way for a while until the world makes sense of how to control this very dangerous virus. We hope to begin to bring back our family of employees as the virus subsides and as the airports begin allowing flights again. While we are still open locally with a very reduced staff, we continue to monitor government mandates and implementing changes as necessary. We have ramped up our cleaning methods in all areas of the business. We have instructed all our reduced staff (mostly in the restaurants) to continually wash their hands and to use hand sanitizer often which is provided on all counter spaces both in the restaurants and bars as well at all front desks. We have instructed all restaurant staff to practice social distancing and to clean using an antibacterial solution; all tables when guest are being seated and again when clearing the space for the next guest. We have instructed staff to limit hand shaking, kissing and hugging for their safety as well as for the safety of guests. When an employee is sick or not feeling well we have instructed them to stay home, contact their doctor and to not return until they are cleared.
In the event that a guest become sick while traveling we have a protocol to assist with isolation and a doctor on call to respond.
For all guests thinking of coming or booked to come in the future when this travel ban is listed It is always recommended to purchase trip insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
When Costa Rica opens again for tourism we will continue to maintain the standards listed above and offer the following suggestions when you visit:
While it is prudent to have concern, we encourage all guests and staff to take the necessary precautions and not panic. As in any situation concerning health and contagious virus, common sense should always be the rule.
- Wash your hands often (20 seconds) throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Flu and virus is spread through coughing or sneezing on other people or into your hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent others from getting sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs easily spread this way.
- Social distance (6ft) suspend hand shaking, greeting kiss, greeting hug.
- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods. Regardless stay hydrated.
- Take the same precautions you would to prevent the flu.
- If you become sick with any ailment while you’re staying with us please alert our front desk staff who can recommend local clinics and doctors.
- Although our staff cleans the rooms, if you have antibacterial handwipes it never hurts to wipe down the surfaces you come in contact with.
- When flying it is also advisable to use antibacterial wipes to clean the tray table and all exposed surfaces in and around your seat.
On behalf of the whole Witch’s Rock Surf Camp family we would like to thank you for your continued loyalty. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us at +1-888-318-7873
