Community and Society

In the joint press conference delivered today by the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño, it was confirmed that there is a second case of COVID-19 which resulted in being the mother of the first victim. In light of this information, Ambergris Caye’s state of emergency has been extended to 30 days, but may likely terminate before then. This time will allow MOH to continue with its necessary mapping investigation from the first and second victim. Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and the San Pedro’s EOC committee on the advice from the Ministry of Health, hereby inform the general public that some considerations will be made in order to accommodate the needs of the residents in Ambergris Caye due to the 30-day extension of the state of emergency; they are as follows: 1. Stores that sell essential and basic necessities will be allowed to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 2. Bakeries and Tortilla factories will be allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 3. Pharmacies will be allowed to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 4. Fuel and Butane Gas Companies will be allowed to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. 5. Bowen and Bowen may resume with its delivery of SODAS and WATER ONLY. 6. Banks will be allowed to operate at their discretion. Going the extra mile, we would appreciate if stores would consider deliveries or curb side pick-ups to avoid many people from leaving their homes. All these businesses are asked to practice proper hygiene and social distancing, both inside and outside the establishment, keeping the limit to no more than 10 persons. Police officers will be monitoring this. Each establishment should have hand sanitizer accessible for their staff and customers or soap water for staff and clients to wash their hands. These operational hours will be allowed until further notice. Additionally, on the advice of the MOH, the following will NOT BE ALLOWED to operate: Hardware stores, delis, restaurants, bars, construction, fishing. Anyone violating these considerations will be arrested. Please note that stores that will be open are not allowed to sell alcohol; this will result in the revoking of the business’ liquor license and trade license. The Belize Coast Guard will be monitoring our waters for any violators, if caught, consequences may lead to arrest and/or the termination of your captain’s license. Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and the Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. would like to emphasize that these considerations are for BASIC NECESSITIES ONLY. Do not use this as an excuse to wander. If you do not need to come out of your house, stay home; however, if you need any essentials or basic necessities, allow only one (1) person from the household to do the errands. Remember to practice social distancing when doing these errands and good hygiene. Lastly, we encourage everyone to please stay home and continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene. Social distancing and isolation prevents the virus from spreading. Always remember to wash your hands regularly. Keep your household clean. If you feel ill or believe to have COVID-19 like symptoms, call the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II at 226-2536 for assistance. We would like to thank you all for your cooperation and understanding during this matter. We are doing our utmost best to accommodate everyone’s necessities but more importantly we are diligently working in ensuring everyone’s safety from this pandemic.

The initial 72-hour quarantine on Ambergris Caye has been extended to 30 days after the 1st patient's mother was found to be positive for COVID-19.

Lynn Young, President and CEO of Belize Electric Company Ltd. (“BECOL”), a subsidiary of Fortis Inc. (“Fortis”), announced a BZD$200,000 contribution to the COVID‐19 Pandemic Response Initiative (“COVID‐19 Response”).

The Belize Postal Service is an essential service department. As such it will endeavor to continue to provide postal services to the Belizean public to the extent that it can reasonably do so.

Ambergris Caye is on official 72-hour quarantine following the announcement of the first positive Covid-19 patient from the island. The International Airport and borders have been closed as well, but no restrictions have been placed on incoming or outgoing freight and cargo.

The Government of Belize reminds the public that Belize’s borders are closed for entry. Belizeans are being strongly advised against leaving the country, unless it is a case of bona fide emergency. This is being advised for the safety of all.What do border closures mean? Belizeans, please stay in Belize.

The public is reminded of the Government of Belize’s directive on social distancing as a primary precautionary method to mitigate the potential spread and transmission of COVID-19. The public is also expected to continue these practices if a confirmed case is detected in Belize.

Since its inception, Chase the Ace has donated thousands to multiple charities on Ambergris Caye. Chase the Ace is a form of lottery that gained popularity in 2013 in some parts of Canada.