Will Borders and P.G.I.A. Be Reopened July?

Marvin Manzanero

Doctor Manzanero says that it’s not likely that they will recommend for an opening for the borders. As you know, Belize is the only country in Central America with no active cases of COVID-19. During today’s webcast, one viewer asked if we can expect to see the borders or the airport open by July of this year. Doctor Manzanero says multiple factors would have to be considered in order to determine if it’s safe to reopen these ports of entry.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“Do you think it is safe to open our borders and airport by June-July? I don’t anticipate that is going to happen. I don’t know that we are having discussions about when the opening of land borders is going to happen. When you see what is happening in Mexico and Guatemala, I don’t think that is something that is being considered for right now. Mexico might be seeing the tapering off of this wave towards the third week of July, so that gives you an idea of how long that border can potentially remain close. What factors will you consider you to determine Belize safe before you open the borders and the airport? Multiple factors. Epidemic is everywhere else. If there are increasing numbers that is a factor. Whether people want to travel is also a factor because people might not be traveling. As long as the USA has that travel advisory and it seems that will stick for the end of 2020 and then people will not be coming in any case. The availability of rapid test that you are able to determine upon arrival who is negative or what measures you have in place to ensure that nobody else is going to be escaping through the system. This is the same discussion that all Caribbean countries are having in the meeting I just came from. When is it going to be safe to open? Understanding that tourism is no longer a viable option at this point in time given what is happening everywhere else.”