Conservation
Sargassum makes a slow return to Ambergris Caye
The influx of Sargassum has been increasing since 2011 within the Caribbean Sea. Although our beaches have been clear of the rotting, smelly mess for several months the dreaded seaweed has once again arrived at San Pedro Town's shores, slowly accumulating on the island's windward beachside. According to a National Meteorological Service of Belize report, an increase is expected in the coming weeks, with an overall bloom intensity similar to 2019.
Community and Society
More front liners, including the first police officer, gets COVID-19 vaccine on the island
As the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues in San Pedro Town, Harris Gabourel was the first island police officer to be vaccinated on Thursday, March 4th at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
Health
First COVID-19 vaccine administered to medical personnel in San Pedro Town
The vaccine's anticipated rollout in San Pedro Town started shortly after 1PM with staff from the different polyclinic departments. The first group of professionals to be vaccinated included pharmacists, doctors, nurses, dentists, and technicians.
Education
Prime Minister says schools could re-open in May or June
Schools across the country were closed shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in March 2020. Educational institutions have been operating via distance learning, and until recently, there was no timeline for their re-opening. With the COVID-19 vaccine rolling out in the country as of Monday, March 1st, and with teachers among the first recipients, Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño anticipates schools' re-opening by May or June of this year.
Health
Belize begins COVID-19 vaccine rollout; three healthcare workers vaccinated with more vaccines on the way
The vaccine rollout to fight COVID-19 started in Belize City after three healthcare workers received the country's first vaccination on Monday, March 1st. The vaccine, Oxford-AstraZeneca, is part of a small shipment donated to Belize from Barbados. The first public servants to be vaccinated included Head of the COVID-19 Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), nurse Casilda Bowman, Chair of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group Dr. Marcelo Coyi, and Head of Internal Medicine at KHMH, Dr. Eric Bradley.
Health
Government to extend curfew for another month; 8PM curfew for municipal elections
Late Friday evening, February 26th, reports surfaced about the amendment of Statutory Instrument (SI) 14 of 2021, extending the current curfew for an additional...
Health
Front-line workers to be the first to receive COVID-19 vaccine next week
The 1,000 Oxford/AztraZeneca vaccines donated by Barbados arrived in Belize on Wednesday, February 24th and according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness they will be given to front-line workers at COVID-19 units across the country starting Monday, March 1st. It is yet to be confirmed if any of the vaccines will be administered to personnel in Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, who have been very active in the battle against the virus.
Health
Belize to Receive First Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccines
The Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Government of Belize are pleased to announce that Belize will be receiving its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine from the Government and people of Barbados. The donation of 1,000 single-dose Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccines will be arriving at the Philip Goldson International Airport by cargo flight on February 24, 2021. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will be present to officially receive the donation.