Government
Belize Receives First Set of COVID-19 Vaccines from the COVAX Facility
The Ministry of Health & Wellness announces the arrival of 33,600 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to Belize. The vaccines arrived on Marcg 31st, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at the Philip Goldson International Airport. Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness, to receive the first shipment of vaccines from the COVAX Facility on behalf of the people and Government of Belize.
Community and Society
Tourism sector members 40+ now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, and as of Wednesday, March 31st, Phase 2C is open, and members of the tourism sector ages 40+ are asked to get vaccinated. The authorities in the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) still urge persons ages 60+ who have not registered for the vaccine to do so.
Health
Ministry of Public Service Promotes Healthcare Packages for Women Public Officers
Hon. Henry Charles Usher, the Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, and Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry, along with the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Public Service Union of Belize have embarked on a joint venture in offering discounted preventative care services and packages to women public officers, with the aim of supporting their healthcare needs from now through April 23, 2021.
Health
Belize Observes World Tuberculosis Day
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 63 million lives since the year 2000. The theme highlights that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments, made by global leaders, to end TB. This is especially critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has put End TB progress at risk, threatening equitable access to prevention and care in line with WHO’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Community and Society
A year of COVID-19 on Ambergris Caye; then and now
A year ago San Pedro Town was the first in the country of Belize to report a COVID-19 case. A year later, countrywide 12,410 people have tested positive with 316 deaths. Of late numbers have dropped significantly and the health of the country and our tourism is on the rebound.
Health
Over 700 vaccinated in San Pedro; registered people urged to show up for their appointment
The number of persons vaccinated against COVID-19 in San Pedro Town exceeds 700, with more people expected to receive the jab this week. As the rollout moves to phase 2A/B, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is now available to police officers and teachers. However, those persons 60+ (Phase 1) who are yet to register are asked to continue doing so through this form https://bit.ly/3bHObe9. Registrants are requested not to miss their appointment as a no-show will result in the vaccine given to someone else, and the absentee will have to re-schedule.
Community and Society
Site visit by PAHO/WHO and the British High Commission in the San Ignacio Community Hospital
As part of the Smart Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project, PAHO/WHO Belize and the British High Commissioner, Her Excellency, Claire Evans, visited the San Ignacio Community Hospital, one of five health facilities in Belize being retrofitted to become safer, greener, and more resilient to natural disasters and climate change.
Community and Society
International Health Authorities Deem Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Safe
Regulators in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe concluded that there is no evidence that the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine causes blood clots after a thorough review. Initial reports of possible side-effects had many people, including Belizeans, hesitant in being vaccinated after some countries in the European Union suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. According to these countries, this was a precautionary measure based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in persons after being vaccinated.