COVID-19 cases in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, have significantly decreased, and as of Thursday, February 4th, the island is down to three active cases. Both residents and health officials welcome this statistic after the island underwent lockdowns due to outbreaks in 2020. Despite this decrease in infections, San Pedranos are urged not to let down their guard, as an outbreak in COVID-19 could see La Isla Bonita back under stricter regulations, damaging the tourism industry, which is slowly resuscitating.Â
The decrease in active cases is reported daily by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). Over the past weeks, San Pedro has recorded zero cases almost daily. Doctors on the island believe this positive outlook may result from residents adhering to the safety regulations, mask-wearing, proper hand hygiene, and social distancing.Â
With the current relaxation of the COVID-19 regulations, which saw gymnasiums re-opening, health personnel are slightly concerned. They advise gym operators and users to be responsible and cautious because of the potential vulnerability in such settings where spread can happen. Gyms owners are aware of this and have established rigorous safety procedures like other businesses on the island.
Rapid testing campaign
According to Dr. Joshua Canul at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, there is a plan to do an enhanced rapid testing campaign to detect COVID-19. He said that it would reach specific groups like the police, tour guides, persons working at entry points (airport, water taxi terminals), and bank employees. Dr. Canul added that this outreach would reveal if the island’s decrease were because fewer people are being tested or fewer people are infected. San Pedro has registered a total of 549 cases since the pandemic started in March 2020.Â
The number of infections detected countrywide total 11,978 as of February 3rd. A large chunk of these positive cases has recovered, and the current number of active cases in the country stands at 259. This is an encouraging report. However, the MOHW is appealing to Belizeans to continue adhering to the established safety regulations to avoid the effects of a reported third wave that has already hit other countries.
