Positive Cases at Border to Quarantine at Home

Another issue the public has been wondering about is what happens to those who test positive during the border screening? OYE host, Isani Cayetano, gave Dr. Sabido the scenario of a traveller from Belize City who is wondering what they need to do after they get that result many miles away from their home.  He also asked about those travelling by bus.

Isani Cayetano, Host, Open Your Eyes

“Let me ask you this, Dr. Sabido. I go over into Guatemala or Mexico, spend a night or two, and upon my return to our border I get tested and I return positive for COVID-19.  I live in Belize City. What happens at that point? Do I go into quarantine elsewhere? Do I …what takes place at that point?”

Dr. Julio Sabido

Dr. Julio Sabido, C.E.O., Ministry of Health & Wellness

“You will be required to quarantine at home. We don’t have any quarantine facilities for Belizeans at the moment. You will be required to go home, quarantine, isolate at home.”

Isani Cayetano

“If I could add to that. What about persons travelling on public transportation?  I test positive, you are telling me that I can go home, quarantine at home, but I am travelling by bus. What takes place then?”

Dr. Sabido

“Ah, I think the Ministry of Health will have to have something in place to deal with that. The DS alluded to something on this in one of your interviews last week that there will have to either take a gold standard cab or something to get home. Especially those travelling on public transportation because it poses a risk for the rest in public transportation.”

B.T.B.’s Nicole Solano says it is the responsibility of the traveller to realize that in crossing the border you may incur additional expenses than you expect if you test positive on your return. And, if you have flu-like symptoms, it may not be in your best interest to take that trip.