Community and Society
Minister of Health exclusively authorised to approve ‘Special Permission’ for hosting large gatherings
While the recent regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 92 state that gatherings of more than ten persons are prohibited, social gatherings have reportedly far exceeded this limit on the island. In some cases, islanders have hosted large private wedding receptions and birthday parties, among other events, claiming they have ‘special permission’ for the said events.
Community and Society
Government introduces new COVID-19 restrictions, some exceptions for the islands
A new Statutory Instrument (SI) changes current COVID-19 safety regulations effect today, Monday, August 23rd with exceptions for Caye Caulker and San Pedro Town. Island restaurants are exempt from the new regulation mandating outdoor dining only and seating capacity not to exceed 50%. Countrywide package sales of alcohol are prohibited between 6PM to 4AM.
Community and Society
Ground-breaking ceremony for new PolyClinic in Caye Caulker held
An official ground-breaking ceremony for a new PolyClinic was celebrated in Caye Caulker. The first phase of the clinic’s construction will be equipped with a pharmacy, triage room, asthma bay, treatment room, consultation rooms, observation rooms, sterile room, waiting areas, restroom, and facilities for staff and visitors. There will also be a laundry room, utility room, and waste disposal and storage facilities.
Government
More than 170K Belizeans to benefit from the Pfizer vaccine donated by the United States
Belize now counts with 111,150 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to combat COVID-19. The acquisition of the vaccines came through a donation from the United States Government, which is providing Belize with a total of 345,150 doses. The first tranche was delivered to Belizean authorities on Wednesday, August 18th, after arriving via a FedEx express cargo flight at the Philip Goldson International Airport.
Health
Region Four: 99% of San Pedro/Caye Caulker Police officers vaccinated
Police officers are part of the frontline workers who are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The task has not been easy; however, in Region Four (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker), almost 100% of the 113 officers have received their first vaccination.
Health
Carnival Vista port call to Belize City: COVID-19 infections detected inside cruise ship contained
Belize received the Carnival Vista today with 2895 guests and 1441 crew on board. As per the normal protocol, upon submission of the Maritime Declaration by the ship in anticipation of its call to Belize the ship reported that it had on board 27 positive cases, 26 of which were crew members and 1 passenger.
Health
After several variants of COVID-19 detected in Belize, GOB extends 9PM curfew and explores other safety measures
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has confirmed several variants of the COVID-19 virus are in Belize. One of the variants detected is the infamous Delta variant, which causes more infections and spreads faster than earlier forms of COVID-19. In response to the presence of this volatile strain, the Government of Belize (GOB) agreed to extend the current health regulations, including the 9PM curfew, until the 31st of August.
Health
COVID-19 Variants of Concern Identified
From a total of 81 persons diagnosed COVID-19 positive for whom SARS-CoV-2 sequencing was done, these are the findings. Sixty-one or 75.31% of the samples tested negative for any of the variants of concern (VOC) or variants of interest but 20 or 24.69% of the samples tested positive for variants of SARS-CoV-2.
