Schools across the country were closed shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in March 2020. Educational institutions have been operating via distance learning, and until recently, there was no timeline for their re-opening. With the COVID-19 vaccine rolling out in the country as of Monday, March 1st, and with teachers among the first recipients, Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño anticipates schools’ re-opening by May or June of this year.
The prime minister shared this plan to re-open schools during a press conference on Monday that saw three healthcare workers receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Briceño said that with the arrival of thousands of vaccines through the COVAX facility later this month, teachers will be among the first to receive the injection. If everything goes as scheduled, teachers’ vaccination should be complete by April in time for schools to possibly re-open by May or June. Prime Minister Briceño noted that those teachers who refuse to take the vaccine will still need to report to carry out their duties.
A few teachers on Ambergris Caye shared that they will take the vaccine for the safety of the students and themselves. They believe that it is time to move forward and create a safer environment for the island students. The teachers expressed that schools have been closed for too long, and it has been challenging for both students and parents studying from home.
The government urges all Belizeans to accept and receive the vaccines. As illustrated below, this is how the vaccine will be distributed. 
Belize has paid COVAX for 238,000 doses, of which 100,800 are expected to arrive in the country in the coming weeks. The government aims to immunize all those over the age of 18, which makes up about 68% of the country’s entire population.
