Community and Society
Prime Minister Briceño announces hospital for San Pedro Town
As previously indicated by Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez regarding the securement of funds for building a hospital in San Pedro Town, on Tuesday, March 15th, it was confirmed that islanders would finally get the long-awaited medical facility. Briceño announced during his budget presentation saying that the financing for the island hospital is a $33 million grant from the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Health
UNDP and the Global Fund supports the Ministry of Health & Wellness through the Delivery Covid ICU Medication, HIV/Syphilis Kits and Taq-Path PCR Tests
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the National AIDS Commission, under the framework of the Global Fund project titled “Building Resilience Through Innovation and National Accountability for the HIV and TB Response in Belize.” Conducted a handing over activity in Belmopan on March 2nd. The donation included 2,000 individual HIV/Syphilis tests valued at USD4,800, Covid Intensive Care Unit medication valued at USD10,681.9, along with 5 Taqpath Covid 19 CE-IVD RT-PCR Kits valued at USD35,355.
Health
The World Bank Helps to Strengthen Belize’s COVID-19 Response
The World Bank has approved financing of US$6.2 million for the Belize COVID-19 Response Project, which will support the country in the acquisition and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines.
Accidents & Disasters
Island Emergency Services render medical services to tourist at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
With the help of the Belize Coast Guard and Island Emergency Services (IES), a tourist experiencing a seizure during a snorkeling trip at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve was quickly evaluated and transported back to San Pedro Town for further medical treatment. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 24th, near midday.
Education
The MoECST Receives Donation of Medical Face Masks
On February 17, 2022, Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST), received a generous donation of 5,000 medical face masks from H.E. David Kuan-Chou Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize.
Health
MOHW Issues Caution to Unauthorized COVID-19 Testing Sites
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) that persons or entities not authorized by the ministry are providing COVID-19 test services to the public. The public is reminded that Statutory Instrument No. 15 of 2022 states that every person who desires to offer testing for SARS-CoV-2 shall apply in writing to the ministry responsible for health for approval to offer testing. Every person who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of BZ$5,000.
Health
COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Eligible Minors
The Ministry of Health & Wellness informs that children aged 12 to 17 years are now eligible to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine three months after receiving their second dose.
Health
New Health and Travel Insurance for visitors is still a go; some stakeholders do not support it
Despite the opposition of numerous tourism stakeholders to the government's plan to require health and travel insurance on visitors, this new requirement is expected to come into effect on February 15th. The new requirement even applies to those with their own health and travel insurance. This new insurance will be available for purchase via an online portal still in the works or at any country's entry point. The cost is US$18 for coverage up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to COVID-19 and up to US$2,000 for lodging at the mandatory quarantine. The policy also makes provisions for trip cancellations, which may be necessary if someone falls ill with the virus.
