While many Ticos who were in Italy before the start of the covid-19 crisis managed to get home, there are 26 Ticos stranded there. Transportation options have all but shut down, as have most aspects of the country in crisis.
The Embassy of Costa Rica in Italy is working on arranging safe passage for these 26 as well as 2 other Ticos in Malta and Croatia, where Costa Rica does not have a consulate. The Costa Ricans were abroad to study, work, or tour.
Those stranded in Italy are in contact with the Embassy, reporting on their health. Only one has tested positive for covid-19 and they are in good health. All 26 are staying with friends or family or locals who offered collaboration to the Embassy. Three are children and one is an adult with a chronic disease.
The Ambassador is taking calls to the Embassy on his personal cell phone and is doing his best to coordinate transportation home. There are some airlines flying to Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, but passengers are only allowed for connections, which are not easy to find. In the meantime, he urges all Costa Ricans in Italy to obey the authorities and stay inside, and to not underestimate the virus.
