Police Discourage Social Gathering this Easter Weekend

Thousands of Belizeans will be traveling this extended weekend to different parts of the country for Easter vacation.  In spite of a significant reduction in the number of active COVID-19 cases, we are still very much in a pandemic.  But that doesn’t seem to be stopping organizers from putting together social events at various inland and coastal destinations.  Across social media, numerous fliers have been posted advertising activities being held this weekend and those ads have caught the attention of the Belize Police Department.  Earlier today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams issued a statement reminding the public that existing regulations governing the movement and mass gathering of citizens remain in effect, despite the decrease in cases.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I must say that as a department, we are a bit concerned over the amount of advertisements we were seeing for this Easter weekend or Easter holidays where different business establishments, as well as private individuals are advertising activities or events that they will be having over the holidays.  So we just want to remind the general public that we’re still in a state of pandemic and we do have Statutory Instrument No. 9 of 2021 which outlined the different protocols as it relates to the COVID-19 prevention regulations.  And so, particularly, I want to draw the attention of the public to Section Nine or Regulation Nine which speaks to the restriction against social events, social gathering and even recreational activities.  …while yes you are free to go to the beaches over the holidays, you must bear in mind that you cannot go to the beach and socialize.  If it is that you’re going to have a private party or similar activity at your home then you cannot invite anybody from outside your household.”