To all our Summer Coast Realty clients that unfortunately had to cancel their trips to Costa Rica, due to the COVID-19, the following information is useful for you:
Many of us have been affected personally or professionally due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). We at Summer Coast Realty are all concerned about our families, friends, neighbour and clients and our community as far as contamination. For this reason, as of today, March 17th, 2020, all our agents will be working from home. Our office manager, Sebastian will be at the office but, is under strict instructions not to meet with any clients in the office until further notice.
Arrangements can be made to meet with Sebastian outside the office, we have tables and restaurant outside the office. We will be available to receive all telephone calls and emails.
We are offering private virtual tours of any on any of our Summer Coast Realty exclusive listings, which are currently vacant with no renters not owners occupying the property. Just email or call us and let us know which property you would like to see and we will be happy to go and present a walking talking tour of the property.
The declaration of a global pandemic has encouraged us to make some changes in our office until this virus is under control.
Let’s all continue to work as a community even at such difficult and emotional times. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Here some news about the actions presented by the Costa Rican Government to protect employees, companies and people against the effects of COVID-19:
Given the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 and the increase of reported cases in the country, today, the Costa Rican Government, issued preventive actions regarding labor, tax, immigration and insurance issues, which are of great importance for the population in general and mainly, for private companies. An overview of the main aspects to consider is detailed below.
Regarding labor issues:
The Costa Rican Ministry of Health ordered all bars, theaters, cinemas and restaurants to reduce their occupancy capacity by 50% as part of preventive measures against the spread of the disease.
The authorizations regarding sanitary aspects granted by the corresponding Health Department to mass concentration activities were suspended. The suspended activities are concerts, public shows, fairgrounds, bullfighting activities, equestrian activities, sporting events (competitive and/or recreational), popular celebrations, trade fairs and community shifts, as well as entertainment activities in shopping centers.
Although teleworking is not binding in private companies, its application has been recommended, mainly in the case of workers with risk factors. The execution of an addendum to the labor contract is recommended to establish the conditions and obligations of the parties before said modality of work. In the case of jobs where teleworking does not apply, physical barriers and/or distances between workers must be established in order to avoid the spread of the virus.
In case of non-compliance with the provisions of the Ministry of Health and/or any of the corresponding authorities, inspection processes could be initiated, that could end with the closure of the workplace.
Regarding immigration issues:
The Government requests not to travel unless it is strictly necessary. From March 18th to April 12th, there will be border restrictions by sea, air and land, allowing only the entry of Costa Ricans and residents. It is important to take into consideration that Costa Ricans or residents who enter Costa Rica during the mentioned period, must be quarantined.
Regarding tax issues:
The Treasury Department, foreseeing the negative impact on the economy and commerce of this situation, has committed to enforce a deferral on the payment of taxes, specifically on Income Tax, Value Added Tax and customs duties, at least for a period of three months, period which may be extended. This deferral implies that tax returns must be filed ordinarily, but may be paid by taxpayers until December 31st, 2020 without surcharges or fines.
The President will request the CCSS that the social security contributions be made proportional to the time actually worked and also consider the deferred payment of social security contributions. The aforementioned will protect the employment of those companies that maintain their payroll.
Other actions that the Executive Power has proposed as a priority, is the instruction to the commercial banks of the State to readjust the loans of debtors of the most affected sectors, including a possible deferral on the payment of the principal and/or the interest for three extendable months.
Regarding insurance payments:
A preferential rate for risk insurance is proposed to companies with less than 30 workers. A new product will also be created called quarantine insurance, for the tourism sector to face the impacts caused by COVID-19 with coverage for travelers who visit our country.
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