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.
Community and Society
RRR and BERT working together to enhance their team in Emergency Vehicle Operations
Rickilee Response and Rescue Team (RRR) Air Evac continues to foster a strong partnership with Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT). Both organizations have joined forces in many medical projects, such as providing emergency services during past festivities on the island. Currently, BERT has been working with the RRR team, providing vital training and certification on Emergency Vehicle Operations to about 20 participants.
Community and Society
Ministry of Health & Wellness and Smart Belize Launch Children’s Vaccination Raffle
Through a memorandum of understanding, the Ministry of Health & Wellness in partnership with SMART Belize has launched a Children’s Vaccination Raffle as a part of the company’s corporate responsibility program and in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Launched on December 16, 2021, the initiative aims to encourage more persons to get vaccinated to create a safer and healthier Belize and support the safe return of the students to classrooms.
Community and Society
Nine islanders complete Medical First Responder program
Nine islanders received their certificates on Friday, December 17th, after completing Medical First Responder training. A ceremony with dynamic presenters and specially invited guests was held at the Fido’s Courtyard. The three-week training was organized by Island Emergency Services (IES), aiming to prepare the newly trained first responders to assist medical personnel in an emergency.
Community and Society
San Pedro Red Cross Branch releases 2021 report
The Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch (BRCSPB) held five blood drives during 2021, collecting 156 pints of the vital liquid. One of the drives collected blood from recovered COVID-19 patients to provide anti-bodies to those recovering from the virus. This was one method administered before vaccines against the virus were made available.
Government
Over 60% of Belize’s population is fully vaccinated; curfew will continue
As the COVID-19 number of infections decreases in the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) daily reports, the number of vaccinated Belizeans is rising. As of Thursday, December 2nd, over 63% of the country’s population (ages 12 years of age and above) are fully vaccinated. This milestone is expected to see the country containing the spread of the disease as more Belizeans become immunized. However, the government has no plans to remove the current curfew.
Health
Free Swabs for Belizean Students Returning by Land
After its regular session this week, Cabinet announced that effective December 1, 2021, and for the entire month of December, all Belizean students studying abroad and returning to Belize by land will be swabbed at no cost.