We hope you’re reading this while drinking a delicious Costa Rican coffee or eating a traditional gallo pinto. Here’s the Costa Rica (and regional) news you should know as another week ends. The Presidency has drafted a 2021 budget that includes $250 million in cuts compared to this year. The cuts would be distributed most significantly among the ministries of Education, Public Works and Transportation, Labor, Health, and Treasury. The proposal has been sent to the Legislative Assembly for debate; it comes in context of a financial crisis caused in part by the coronavirus pandemic.   Costa Rica’s health system isn’t properly addressing cases of “long Covid,” according to La Nación. Neither the Health Ministry nor the Social Security System know how many patients are struggling with persistent symptoms, though CCSS President Román Macaya says reports of these patients “worries us a lot.” The National Trauma Hospital celebrated the discharge of recovered coronavirus patients — the last COVID-19 cases that they will host for the time being. The development comes as coronavirus hospitalizations have stabilized; fewer economic restrictions have also resulted in an increase in car accidents, which the Trauma Hospital will once again treat.   The Environment Ministry “regrets the approval” of a trawling law that opens the door for the return of the controversial fishing method in Costa Rican waters. Trawling “generates greater pressure on ecosystems and resources that are already overexploited,” a statement from the Environment Ministry said. Read more. Oatmeal won the 5th annual Sloth Ironman Games, hosted by the Toucan Rescue Ranch. Click here to watch the (adorable) awards ceremony.     At least 27 people have died of suspected methanol poisoning after drinking adulterated alcohol, according to the Health Ministry. Do not consume the following liquor brands: Guaro Chonete, Guaro Cuerazo, Guaro Sacheto, Guaro Gran Apache, Aguardiente Estrella Roja, Guaro Montano, Aguardiente Barón Rojo, Aguardiente Timbuka, Aguardiente Molotov or Guaro Fiesta Blanca. Report any establishment selling the aforementioned brands to the Health Ministry. A man received a four-month prison sentence in the first sentencing under Costa Rica’s new street sexual harassment laws. According to the Public Security Ministry, the man, surnamed Ríos, had been detained and charged after masturbating in front of a woman in public.   Avianca will resume flights to Costa Rica on November 1, according to La Nación. The Colombian airline will fly once-daily to El Salvador, offering connections from the Central American hub to destinations across the region. The date coincides with Costa Rica’s reopening to tourists from across the world.   The Justice Department will begin blocking cell phone signal at its prisons, it announced, with installation of signal-blocking devices planned by the end of the year. The move is expected to reduce the number of scam and fraudulent calls in Costa Rica.  

The Legislative Assembly approved a discount on the 2021 marchamo, the mandatory vehicle circulation permit. For private vehicles with a fiscal value of up to 7 million colones (about $11,500), the cost will be cut by 50%. Private vehicles of higher value will see their marchamo dropped by smaller percentage amounts. Read more at Outlier Legal.

The Costa Rican Presidency continues its dialogue with various sectors to help define its economic future. "Costa Rica is in dialogue and coming to agreements," President Carlos Alvarado tweeted Wednesday evening. "This is not a simple or easy process." The Presidency says agreements reached in these discussions will shape economic policy.

The Costa Rican Surf Federation called Costa Rica's November 1 air border reopening a "great relief" for the 400 surf schools and independent instructors across the country. The Tourism Board (ICT) estimates one in four visitors to Costa Rica surfs. 

COVID-19 has impacted all but three of Costa Rica's top-division men's soccer clubs, per Teletica. Elsewhere in soccer news, Keylor Navas had a solid performance as PSG beat Istanbul Basaksehir in Champions League group play.

      Nine deputies on the Legislative Commission for Tax Matters ruled to eliminate more than 2,000 vacant government positions, which will reduce Costa Rica’s 2021 budget by $8.2 million, according to La Nación. Most positions correspond to the Education (MEP) and Public Works and Transport Ministries (MOPT); those that have been unfilled over at least six months will be eliminated.   In December, airlines will offer 291,000 seats on flights to Costa Rica, according to the Tourism Board. That’s up from an estimated 10,000 seats in October, which itself represented an increase over April-July 2020.   As of November 1, Costa Rica will eliminate the negative coronavirus test requirement for citizens and tourists arriving on yachts or sailboats across the maritime borders. Neither will receive isolation orders, in parallel with the relaxed measures for air arrivals. See all entry requirements via the Tourism Board.   CSS Corp, a U.S.-based IT company, is hiring 100 new workers over the next three months. The tech company currently employs about 750 people at its Heredia, Costa Rica office, which it opened in 2013. Click here to apply.   With the aim of reactivating employment, as of November 1, meeting centers and event halls — including hotels — can host business and academic activities for a maximum of 150 people, double the previously authorized capacity. More at Casa Presidencial.

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