[Charliewool]

Over here, it appears heavy pressure from the commerce and tourism sectors has forced Govco to tip the scales in favour of the economy rather than health.
Even though last 2 days have seen record infection increases... 1240 yesterday and last 5 days of +1000, along with 478 deaths, opening up tourism is still their priority. (Interestingly Costa Rica has a similar population to Victoria)

August 20th saw the 2 international airports reopen after 5 months completely shut, firstly to selected EU countries + Canada, and from 1st Sept. to selected US states that have low figures. (12 US states so far)
Mind you, the criteria to enter is quite strict...

1/. Complete the “Health Pass” or “Pase de Salud.” (A form of declaration of last 3 months of your health)
2/. Obtain a negative PCR-RT coronavirus test. The sample for this test must have been taken at most 72 hours before the flight to Costa Rica.
3/. Purchase travel insurance that covers accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19. This policy can be international or purchased from Costa Rican insurers.

Regarding present “lockdown” rules... These have been basically unchanged for last couple of months..
We have driving curfew according to your plate last number.. 1&2 no drive Monday, 3&4 no drive Tuesday, 5&6 no drive Wednesday, 7&8 no drive Thursday, 9&0 no drive Friday.
Weekends, even numbers no drive Saturday, odds no drive Sunday... And driving hours are only between 5am and 10pm. (Fortunately, we have 3 vehicles.. a 2, a 4 and a 9, so really doesn’t affect us)
Virtually all businesses are now operating, thou at 50% capacity.
Masks are compulsory everywhere (indoors)
Sanitation stations at all business entrances. Beaches now open from 5am-3pm.
There is no restriction on where you can drive, gatherings, or visitations etc tho social distancing to be adhered to.
August 28th saw Govco’s new Covid “motto” announced!...
“Costa Rica works and takes care of itself”

Apologies for long post, but coming from Victoria, it is an interesting comparison on how 2 similar size places are handling Covid?