BATSUB Member Tested Positive for UK Variant of COVID in Belize

Results are finally back from Baylor College in Houston and the UK variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Belize.  It was from a batch of fifteen samples that were sent for gene sequencing. The swab belonged to a member of the British Army Training Support Unit Belize, who was asymptomatic when he arrived in Belize on January twelfth.  Minister of Health and Wellness, Michel Chebat says that there are entry protocols established for all troops entering Belize. Aside from bringing a negative PCR test on arrival, they must undergo a mandatory swab here in Belize after which they must remain in quarantine. The minister told News Five that the individual was isolated immediately and remained in isolation for fourteen days, before he was retested.

Michel Chebat

Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness

“Not until they were cleared from quarantine did they go on to the Pine Ridge to conduct their training. So all of those protocols that we have implemented have helped to contain the spread of the UK variant found on that particular individual and so we are satisfied that there were no infections caused by him. They all quarantine for the fourteen days and so that help to allay whatever situation may have arisen there.”

A results of a further forty swabs will be reported on in the near future.