Battling the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2021

John Briceño

Arguably, however, what continues to be the biggest challenge of the Briceño administration is the COVID-19 pandemic. Three waves and another on the horizon with the omicron variant inevitably reaching Belize, the Prime Minister asks that Belizeans get vaccinated adhere to health guidelines. In that same vein, he thanked frontline healthcare workers for their selfless contributions.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Our fight against the COVID-19 virus has been relentless. Almost four hundred thousand tests have been administered, over thirty thousand Belizeans have recovered and the last wave has abated with an average of just thirty cases over the last ten days. Painfully, five hundred and ninety-two Belizeans have succumbed to the virus and, like all Belizeans, I lament every single passing from this disease. In this battle, my administration has spared no measure or expense. From states of emergencies to rolling curfews to the fifteen million dollars in additional spending by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, we believe that every single Belizean life is worth fighting for. Today the risk of a more contagious variant, omicron, compels us to take our vaccine and booster shots, to physical distance, wear masks and to always practice proper hygiene. As we say, watch yo distance, wear yo mask and wash yo hands regularly. Whatever successes we have achieved against COVID-19 belongs to our nurses, doctors, caregivers and other frontline worker who have braved sickness and death to save lives and flatten the COVID-19 curve. On behalf of all Belizeans, I say to our doctors, nurses and those on the front lines of this fight, thank you. We honor your selfless labour.”