Government
Dr. Marvin Manzanero may return to the Ministry of Health and Wellness
The new Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), Honourable Kevin Bernard, has hinted that Dr. Marvin Manzanero may return to the ministry. The doctor faced the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic under the previous administration. After the change in government, he was unceremoniously removed from his post as Director of Health Services (DHS). Dr. Manzanero ended up leaving MOHW, an incident that did not sit well with many Belizeans, who appreciated his efforts against the pandemic.
Health
U.S. Military Concludes Five-Day Medical Assistance in Southern Belize
Medical officers from U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-Bravo) concluded a six-day outreach program of providing medical care to Belizean citizens in the Toledo District. This operation, launched on January 9, was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Health
U.S. Government Donates 12 Ventilators to Belize in Continuing Pandemic Support
The U.S. Government donated twelve ventilators to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to support Belize in its ongoing fight against COVID-19. The donation was facilitated by the U.S. Embassy Security Cooperation Office and funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Southern Command through its Humanitarian Assistance Program.
Health
Despite the increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations are low
As of Thursday, January 6th, Belize has over 3,700 active COVID-19 cases, with Belize City, Orange Walk Town, and San Pedro Town reporting the highest number of infections. Currently, San Pedro alone has recorded over 100 positive cases, a concern for tourism stakeholders. The surge in positive cases is attributed to the Omicron variant, a highly contagious virus strain. Although the rate of infections is on the rise, the number of hospitalizations is significantly low compared to previous waves of the disease.
Health
MOHW introduces new guidelines on isolation period for COVID-19 patients
With the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Belize, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) updated its national guidelines on the isolation period for primarily asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. According to the ministry, in accordance with the World Health Organization protocol, the isolation period will be reduced from 14 to ten days for the public and from ten to seven days for healthcare workers and other essential officers starting from the screening date on which they persons tested positive for the virus.
Health
Belize prepares for fourth Covid wave; KHMH senior staff weigh in on preparedness
Belize is preparing for what is said to be the fourth wave of infections relating to COVID-19. The medical staff at the country’s main referral health center, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City, warn that although there are fewer admissions to their COVID-19 unit, the young and obese population are more at risk with the Omicron variant.
Community and Society
Third year of the COVID-19 pandemic; over 290 million infected and five million dead
Belize, along with the world, heads into a third year of the COVID-19 pandemic with hopes that by the end of 2022, the virus will be a thing of the past. The deadly disease has taken more than 600 lives in Belize since it was detected in March 2020 and has mutated into different variants, destroyed livelihoods, and infected and killed millions worldwide. With the new Omicron variant accused of the rise in infections again, experts said the end of this health crisis depends on how well people adhere to the safety protocols- proper hand hygiene, social distancing, mask-wearing in public places, and vaccination.
Community and Society
COVID-19 cases on the rise again; Omicron variant not yet detected
The number of COVID-19 infections is beginning to increase as the daily reports show more positive cases over recoveries. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the number of infected persons raises eyebrows among the island’s health sector. There were 19 reported cases over the long weekend, and the latest report is again showing double digits. Despite the increase in cases, the COVID-19 variant Omicron has not yet been detected.
