Health

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority advises the general public that as of today Monday 23rd March 2020 we are in Emergency Mode with adjustments to our Visitor's Policy as part of our response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Emergency mode means we have postponed elective services and an abbreviated clinic schedule will be announced.

Belize registers it's first positive case of Covid-19 (novel coronavirus). The patient is a 38-year-old female from San Pedro Town who frequently travels between the US and Belize.

Originally scheduled for Saturday March 14th, the Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch (BRCSPB) postponed their blood drive at the Polyclinic. The San Pedro Sun spoke to Phillip Ramsey, a representative of BRCSPB about the sudden postponement. He said that he received notification via email from the Blood Bank Unit in Belize City that the drive needed to be postponed, “due to the nature of the COVID-19 situation”. The email stated that they were making necessary arrangements to prepare for possible progression of COVID-19 and that they would follow up about rescheduling. The cancellation however, highlighted an issue affecting San Pedro: the lack of a blood bank. Residents have to rely on organized blood drives, instead of being able to go to a designated donation center at any time.

The COVID-19 National Oversight Committee held its second meeting today, March 20th, and agreed to take additional measures to further protect the health of Belizeans and reduce the threat of transmission of COVID-19 in Belize.

While the Department of Transport has increased monitoring and has mandated bus companies to increase cleaning efforts, the public is also urged to take extra precautions. If experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms, it is strongly encouraged to stay at home and avoid travel. Practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently is crucial and will protect each individual, fellow commuters and transport staff. It is advised to take the necessary measures to prevent this dreadful and deadly virus.

The Government of Belize’s (GOB) recent edict banning any assembly of more than 100 persons, obliged the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) workers’ union to postpone a protest demonstration they had planned for Tuesday, March 17th.

In the interest of public health and safety and due to circumstances regarding COVID-19, the Ministry hereby informs the public of the following: All offices countrywide will be closed to the public for tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2020. A notice will be issued to inform of when offices will reopen. Effective immediately, Heads of Department and Sections will only attend to the public by appointments. To schedule an appointment, please contact the customer service section at (501)828-5028.

On Saturday, March 14th, a San Pedro Belize Express water taxi vessel traveling from Chetumal Mexico, was denied permission to dock at the International Boat Terminal in San Pedro Town.