Health
First batch of COVID-19 vaccines soon to be delivered to Belize
The Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the Honourable Michel Chebat, updated the nation on Friday, February 5th, when Belize will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. Over 100,000 AztraZeneca vaccines will be made available through the COVAX facility by the end of this year's first quarter. Chebat also confirmed that the government had accepted a donation of 20,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from the Russian Federal Republic.
Health
World Cancer Awareness Day observed; solidarity walk canceled in San Pedro
Members of the San Pedro Cancer Society encouraged residents to reach out virtually to anyone battling the life-threatening disease. The solidarity walk, usually held from the central park, see islanders from all backgrounds, including the business and education sector, along with tourists at times. The activity, which takes participants through downtown San Pedro is complete with a moment of silence in remembrance of those who have succumbed to the disease.
Health
Active COVID-19 cases on Ambergris Caye decrease; plans for rapid testing of public service personnel underway
Despite only 3 active cases reported for San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, San Pedranos are urged not to let down their guard, as an outbreak in COVID-19 could see La Isla Bonita back under stricter regulations.
Community and Society
Gyms re-open on the island under strict health restrictions
After being ordered to shut down for almost a year, gymnasiums across Belize open on February 1st under the recently amended COVID-19 Quarantine Regulations. The new regulations allow access to gyms by appointment only, restrict capacity to 50%, limit to one hour, and everyone must adhere to the mandated health protocols (proper sanitization, mask-wearing, and social distancing).
Health
UNHCR Donates Wash Stations and Hygiene Items to 12 Primary Schools in Belmopan and Nearby Villages
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, donated hand washing stations and hygiene products to 12 Primary Schools across Belmopan and neighboring communities to support the national response of COVID-19 in Belize. With the support of Help for Progress, a Belizean non-governmental organization and UNHCR partner. These schools received soap, soap dispensers, and paper towels apart from the wash stations to support 5,700 students, staff, and visitors.
Health
Belize’s Modified COVID-19 Quarantine Regulations to start February 1st
As of February 1st, previous restrictions on curfew, alcohol sales, gymnasiums, food vending and church services will be lifted. The new regulations are being set for 30 days.
Health
Maya Island Air turns stand-alone terminal into COVID-19 rapid testing facility in San Pedro Town
A joint effort between Maya Island Air and Caring Hands Clinic is now offering rapid COVID-19 testing at their stand-alone Terminal 1.
Health
Taiwan donates 15,000 Antigen Rapid Test Kits
The Antigen Rapid Test Kits worth approximately BZ$300,000 are expected to further enhance Belize’s testing capacity nationwide.