Friday, March 29, 2024

New operating hours announced for Ambergris Caye businesses

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With over two weeks without new cases of COVID-19, a new set of regulations for businesses in San Pedro Town were announced on Tuesday, April 28th by Mayor Daniel Guerrero. During an appearance in Reef TV’s morning show, he shared the different opening hours for businesses and activities based on the type of services they provide to the island.

According to Guerrero, the following businesses are allowed to operate between the following hours:

From 6AM to 2PM: Gas stations, including butane gas distributors, along with bakeries and tortilla factories.
From 7AM to 3PM: Stores, shops and supermarkets, as well as hardware stores.
From 8AM to 3PM: Financial institutions like banks, credit unions, Western Union and Moneygram
From 6AM to 2PM: Mechanic shops
From 8AM to 7PM: Pharmacies
From 11AM to 7PM: Restaurants are to operate via delivery or pick-up services only.
Delis, Tacos stands and fruit shops can open from 6AM to 2PM.

fruit veggie business covid 19However, any deli, tacos stand and fruit shop businesses wanting to open will need to visit the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to provide information on how it is working at the said establishments. Also, they must have a Food Handler’s License and an agreement must be signed with the SPTC, where they will commit to adhere to health protocols including ensuring social distancing, hand washing and the wearing of masks.

Of importance is to know that members of the SPTC, local Health Department and the police will be monitoring that these businesses (Delis, Tacos stand, and fruit shops) adhere to their commitment. If they fail, the establishment will be close.

Fishing

Mayor Guerrero discussed the matter with fishing, which has been a topic of discussion for weeks. According to him, commercial fishers with a valid license can go out fishing from 6AM to 2PM. Subsistence fishing will also be allowed, but fishermen must be the holders of a valid license as well. Guerrero indicated that at this moment no fishing is allowed off docks.

The relaxation in regulations on the island were considered after a meeting by the Emergency Operation Center on Monday, April 27th. This meeting came about as both cases on the island have been declared ‘recovered’, and no further COVID-19 cases have been reported on the island. However, the general public is reminded that the country is still under a State of Emergency and any movement should be with a purpose. If there is no need to be out, islanders are asked to stay at home. Even though the only two cases on the island have been declared recovered, Mayor Guerrero disregarded the idea that the island is COVID-19 free, and asked residents to continue abiding by the protocols of the health authorities and practice social distancing, proper hygiene and staying at home as much as possible.

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