“How does Costa Rica's main utility help businesses in the crisis?”, 24^th March 2020

…In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Costa Rica's telecommunications and electricity company ICE launched services to keep citizens at home and industries running.

Starting on March 25, ICE will make billing for businesses that consume at least 2,000KWh per month more flexible, so they can keep operating despite the lower demand resulting from the contingency.

Under the scheme, these businesses can pay half of their electricity bills for March, April and May in installments from July to December.

The company said that around 12,000 businesses will benefit from the measure. According to the government, 2,800 business had to close already.

ICE has not yet announced any measures to increase communications and internet capacity to satisfy rising demand due to the crisis.

In related news, the national insurance institute (INS) will reschedule 4,000 medical appointments and begin virtual health consultations.

Authorities confirmed 177 coronavirus cases on Tuesday.