69 New COVID Cases; Is it a New Wave?

Is Belize experiencing another wave of COVID-19 infections? A report issued by the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Monday shows that between November twenty-ninth and December fifth, a total of sixty-nine new COVID-19 cases were confirmed. There are currently fifty active cases on record; the positivity rate is at eleven cumulatively, while the daily rate is at three point seven-one. Fortunately, there are zero hospitalizations and no deaths have been reported. The increase in the number of new cases in one week is concerning for the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Earlier today, the media spoke with Minister Kevin Bernard.

Kevin Bernard

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“We have to remember that COVID is here. And while sixty-nine may be a significant jump indeed, there is surveillance being done. And we continuously want to encourage people that if you feel ill come and get tested because that is the only way we will really get to know where we stand.  The numbers had dropped all the way down to I think sixteen at one point and now we have that increase last night, yes. As you know there are a lot of activities now and there’s a lot of people moving, close together, having major functions and that could be why there has been an increase. I have not gotten any indication from the surveillance team that they suspect a major wave or a huge spike, but we must understand that we live in a system where COVID is around us and it exists. Now in terms of the effects are still minimal – that’s one reason why we believe that people are still not going to get tested. So those that are being tested are the ones that really reach to the facilities. But we want to encourage people if you feel ill and you feel like you have symptoms go and get tested just for those assurances. But, as I said, we have not gotten an indication that they are suspecting any spike. We believe that over the Christmas period we must expect that people are going to have individual parties, family get-togethers and all we encourage as the Ministry of Health is to continue prevent from spreading the virus. We have to do our part.”