Health
Latest COVID-19 report shows more recoveries and fewer infections; SP nearing 50% vaccinated
The last COVID-19 report for this week on Friday, October 29th, ended in favor of recoveries compared to the confirmed infections. Throughout the week, reports have been fluctuating, and although reports indicate most of the days showing more recoveries, the current COVID-19 wave is yet to peak. Recently San Pedro Town has reported single-digit COVID-19 confirmed cases; however, doctors caution this does not mean the situation is returning to normal, warning that the pandemic is far from over.
Health
COVID-19 booster shots available starting next week on the island
Starting Monday, November 1st, booster shots against COVID-19 will be available in San Pedro Town for healthcare personnel, residents ages 60 and over, and those with comorbidities. The booster shots are recommended six months after being fully vaccinated and will be available for AstraZeneca and Pfizer doses. Eligible persons are asked to bring their vaccination card when visiting the San Pedro Lions Den vaccination center.
Community and Society
MOHW deploys mobile health team to monitor COVID-19 protocols in San Pedro Town
A mobile public health team from the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is on the island throughout this week, providing COVID-19 tests at homes, educating people on the disease, and ensuring that established health protocols are followed. The team clarified that they are not part of the COVID-19 task force, which is expected to come into action on Monday, November 1st, in different parts of the country.
Health
Ministry of Health & Wellness Receives Donation of Cold Chain Equipment from UNICEF
On October 27, 2021y, the Ministry of Health & Wellness received a donation of 100 cold boxes from UNICEF Belize during a handing over ceremony held at the National Vaccine building in Belmopan. The model ACB boxes were presented as a part of UNICEF’s work to strengthen the national cold chain system for the provision of routine immunizations and COVID-19 vaccinations to children and families in remote and vulnerable communities.
Health
New testing site for COVID-19 opens in San Pedro Town for asymptomatic patients only
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has opened additional testing sites for COVID-19 across the country. On Monday, October 25th, San Pedro Town opened another testing area at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre sporting complex (Saca Chispas field), opening Monday to Friday from 8AM to 2PM. The services at this location will be for asymptomatic patients only. Persons with COVID-19- like symptoms will need to visit the Flu Clinic at Mar de Tumbo south of downtown to get tested.
Health
PAHO/WHO Belize donates equipment to boost risk communication efforts for COVID-19 to the Ministry of Health and Wellness
To boost COVID-19 risk communication efforts, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) donated several equipment and materials to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in supporting their COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign.
Community and Society
Fabrigas clarifies oxygen situation with Island Emergency Services
On Thursday, October 21st, Fabrigas Belize Limited issued a press release indicating there was no longer a shortage of oxygen in San Pedro Town. The company later explained that there was an issue on the island with a customer who was re-selling oxygen without proper authorization. The customer is Abner Bacab an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) who operates Island Emergency Services. At times Bacab would tend to emergencies and provide patients with oxygen and at the end of the service, a fee is charged. Fabrigas has stopped selling oxygen to Bacab in large quantities because according to them, he is not a dealer or a doctor authorized to provide such interventions.
Business & Economy
COVID-19 Enforcement Unit to provide new jobs
The enforcement unit will be made of people from within the communities across the country making sure people and businesses adhere to the COVID-19 health protocols in place.
