San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, is currently monitoring 62 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Health personnel on the island are doing their due diligence, but numbers are increasing. None of the infected persons have required hospitalization, but health staff is concerned about overcrowding in some homes where patients are quarantining. With such living conditions, the risk of spread is high, and the current situation on the island can become out of control.
On Monday, August 10th, a total of 144 samples out of 300 were tested. A total of 23 tested positive, with the majority from San Pedro. According to representatives of the Ministry of Health in San Pedro, the island might see more cases in the upcoming days as the Mar de Tumbo flu clinic continues to tend to symptomatic persons daily.
Public Health Inspector Lisa Tillett has travelled to the island to join forces with the local authorities to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease. During an interview on Tuesday, August 11th, she noted that although the majority of the 62 patients in San Pedro are symptomatic, they are doing well. The problem Tillet pointed out is their living conditions when it comes to quarantine. “Patients are quarantining as best as they can, but we have a big problem here with overcrowding,” said Tillett. She noted some families live together in one-bedroom homes. Tillett appealed to hoteliers to assist with spaces for persons to quarantine, or else there could be a much higher spike in cases of COVID-19.
Another batch of tests will be processed today by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and additional positive cases are expected for San Pedro.
In the meantime, residents are asked to properly disinfect their surroundings with a chlorine-based mixture. In commercial areas like stores, disinfecting is recommended every hour or depending on the flow of traffic inside the establishment.
MOH urges everyone to continue doing their part in combating this health crisis by following safety and health regulations. Wash your hands, wear your mask, practice social distancing, and always protect yourself.
