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Central America

Costa Rica halts reopening phases after an increase in COVID-19 cases

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The Costa Rican Government announced the cancellation of the third phase of the reopening after a surge in cases of coronavirus. In view of this situation, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health has also tightened up its health measures. The measures were announced at a press conference by the Minister of Health, the president of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund and the president of the National Emergency Commission.

Daniel Salas, Minister of Health, pointed out that the Costa Rican football final between Alajuelense and Saprissa, which was scheduled to take place this Sunday, was suspended. However, the areas and activities resumed in previous phases will continue operating, he added. With this measure the opening of cinemas, theaters, museums and shops, as well as places of worship and extended hours on the beaches are postponed.

In addition, this weekend there will be a total vehicle restriction in Costa Rica. Authorities explained that circulation will be allowed only to go to hospitals, pharmacies, supermarkets and supply centers, by odd and even numbered plates, from 10 am on Saturday 20, to 5 am on Monday 22. They also said that, due to the increase in cases, provinces of Alajuelita and Desamparados are on orange alert.

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Central America

Arévalo calls for ‘rescue’ of Guatemala’s Prosecutor’s Office amid leadership change

Bernardo Arévalo said on Monday that the next attorney general must prioritize “rescuing” the Ministerio Público de Guatemala, amid the ongoing process to replace current chief Consuelo Porras.

Speaking at a press conference, the president stressed that the country needs leadership capable of restoring the institution after years of criticism and controversy.

“What the country needs is someone who can rescue the Prosecutor’s Office from the abuses it has suffered as a result of being co-opted by criminal networks, and who can restore its ability to operate effectively and independently,” he stated.

His remarks come as a commission prepares to select six candidates for the position of attorney general later this week.

Arévalo will then be responsible for appointing the new head of the Public Prosecutor’s Office for the 2026–2030 term, in a decision seen as crucial for the country’s institutional future.

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Central America

Panama and Costa Rica strengthen border alliance to combat organized crime

Panama and Costa Rica strengthened a strategic alliance on Saturday aimed at enhancing border security and jointly tackling transnational organized crime, following a high-level bilateral meeting held in Paso Canoas, in Panama’s Chiriquí province, according to Panama’s Ministry of Public Security.

“The effort strengthens digital border control and enables a more effective response to organized crime,” said Frank Abrego, Panama’s Minister of Public Security. He added that “operational integration between both countries increases anticipation and response capacity to threats.”

During the meeting, Abrego and his Costa Rican counterpart, Mario Zamora Cordero, reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in territorial protection and citizen security.

Paso Canoas is a key customs hub in the region, handling goods arriving in Panama through the Panama Canal and the Colón Free Zone, which are then distributed across Central America, as well as regional exports.

Zamora described the meeting as “effective and productive,” emphasizing the importance of sustained police cooperation to confront criminal structures operating in the region.

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As part of the agenda, authorities inaugurated a new operations center for the National Border Service in the Progreso sector. The facility is designed to strengthen monitoring and control through surveillance technologies such as cameras and drones, as well as real-time information sharing between both countries.

Authorities also announced the delivery of eight vehicles to reinforce patrol operations, along with intensified joint operations at key border points.

Officials stated that these measures will increase operational presence, improve response capabilities, and enhance security for border communities.

Both ministers agreed that coordination between Panama and Costa Rica has helped maintain a “calm, stable, and developing” border, and announced further meetings, including one in San José, to advance new security agreements.

In this context, in February 2024, both countries inaugurated the Paso Canoas Integrated Control Center on the Costa Rican side, a 14,000-square-meter facility designed to streamline procedures and manage the daily flow of around 200 cargo trucks and 800 people crossing from Panama.

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The meeting brought together senior officials from both nations’ security forces, who advanced joint strategies to combat threats such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and smuggling, through coordinated action and intelligence sharing.

This bilateral effort underscores both countries’ commitment to ensuring citizen security and sends a clear message of joint action against organized crime.

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Sports

Ancelotti leaves door open for Neymar’s return to Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, current manager of the Brazil national football team, has opened the door to the possibility of Neymar being included in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup, according to an interview published Saturday by L’Equipe.

“At the moment, he is being evaluated by the Brazilian Football Confederation and by me. He still has two months to prove he has the conditions to play in the next World Cup,” Ancelotti said.

Neymar, 34, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, was left out of the most recent national team call-up for friendlies against France and Croatia. He is also still working to regain full fitness with Santos FC.

Since returning to his club, Neymar has played only a handful of matches in the Brasileirão and the Copa Sudamericana, including an upcoming match against San Lorenzo on April 28. These games could be key for him to convince Ancelotti ahead of the final squad announcement on May 19.

“Neymar has made and continues to make history in Brazilian football. He is a great talent, and it is normal for people to believe he can help us win the next World Cup,” the Italian coach added.

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When asked whether the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player must be at full fitness to earn a call-up, Ancelotti admitted he does not have a definitive answer but believes Neymar “is capable of returning to 100%.”

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