156 Persons Arrested, Charged for S.O.E. Violations

Even though it is now twenty-eight days without any new confirmed case of COVID-19, a state of emergency remains in place for the country.  Thousands have already been charged for offenses under the emergency power regulations and over the weekend, an additional one hundred and fifty-six persons were added to the list. Sixty-three persons failed to comply with the mandatory use of a mask or other mouth covering; fifty-one persons breached the curfew, while thirty persons were unable to provide a reasonable explanation or proof of movement outside of curfew period.  Eight failed to practice social distancing. Other were charged separately for violating cross district movement, entering Belize illegally, failing to comply with directive of quarantine authority and engaging in private practice when prohibited from doing so. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says that in one instance, officers had to intervene in a party that was taking place.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“It would appear that some people are of the belief that we are now in an all clear and as such, we are seeing that parties are popping up here and popping up there and police have to be on full alert with a view to identify where these parties are and disrupt them. But not only disrupt, but to ensure that these persons who are having these parties are dealt with. We are still dealing with this pandemic and the state-of-emergency regulations are pretty much still enforced and as police officers we have a responsibility to ensure that the regulations are enforced for the safety of all the residents. So yes, you would see that for that party in Belize City last night, eight persons were arrested and I had directed OC Eastern Division to go back for those who reside at the house because they too need to be charged. I think it was a total of fifteen persons so the others should be dealt with today.”