Government
AstraZeneca vaccines no longer available after January 31st
As of February 1st, AstraZeneca vaccines will no longer be available at the COVID-19 vaccination sites. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) confirmed this on Friday, January 21st. MOHW encouraged those who have received their first dose of AstraZeneca eight weeks or more ago to visit the nearest vaccination center and get their second vaccine.
Health
MOHW says Belize is at its peak in COVID-19 infections
With the significant surge of COVID-19 cases in Belize, the latest reports of epidemiological analysis from the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) suggest that the country is experiencing the peak of the current COVID-19 wave. MOHW’s Dr. Melissa Diaz explained on Wednesday, January 19th, that the country may soon start to see a downward trend in infections.
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.