Further Border Protection Against the Virus in Costa Rica

Lately, I had thought that Costa Rica should limit further the access of truckers to the country, especially from Nicaragua. Indeed, some measures were taken previously, such as closing borders for non nationals and residents who have left since. Yet, Nicaragua has an awful handling of the pandemic. They refuse to take any concrete action to reduce its spread. It has become primordial to limit any immigration from there or even Panama because Costa Rica can't risk importing new virus clusters.

Until last week, we have been testing every trucker for Covid-19 to judge wether they may enter to transport their cargo. With this system we have rejected several sick truckers, but many others might be entering as false negatives. In addition, others adduced that Nicaragua wouldn't treat them and implored for care in Costa Rica. Costa Rica gives free care, financed by taxpayers who pay a share of their salary for national health care. No, we shan't import foreigners to be attended, even for compassion. We don't want our health services collapsed with non nationals. If their country doesn't want to take action, we won't take it for them.

Last week I thought that cargo should be coupled to national or resident truckers to avoid further spread of the disease. On Friday, an act was signed on the issue, but it sparked rage from foreign trucker unions who called to block commerce to Costa Rica. They have hindered the main access for cargo from Nicaragua.

We are protecting our citizens, and we have the right to do so. If all our neighbors have failed against the virus, they shan't put the burden on us.

Protectionism may prove fatal to the economy, but in the current scenario there aren't many options available. It is either importing the virus or condemning our economy.