Concerns over Independence Day Weekend and COVID-19 Transmission

Marvin Manzanero

There are concerns being raised at the level of the National Oversight Committee that notwithstanding the cancellation of activities this Independence Day weekend, there may be a spike in the transmission of COVID-19.  That’s because it is anticipated that Belizeans will still be socializing and ignoring existing regulations to combat the spread of the deadly pathogen.  Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero shared those concerns.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“It’s the Independence Day weekend and I know that we would routinely be heading to those celebrations and big parties.  I actually hear music, I see socialization happening from my window, with no masks and I think alcohol is involved.  Those can be very difficult situations; I took a note of it at the NOC.  We made a note of it internally to the team that if we let our guard down this weekend, even though things are supposed to be closed.  If we have these big social gatherings and issues where there is no mask wearing, alcohol involved and all these other elements, I think we can anticipate then that we would have another spike towards the first week of October.”