M.O.H. Reviews Screening Methods at Airport

Marvin Manzanero

The Ministry of Health has issued a release outlining the steps taken to monitor all epidemiological information and surveillance activities in relation to the coronavirus. Officials have since met with airport authorities and relevant stakeholders to review screening methods and processes to be implemented in the event of any suspected case. The release says that to date, this region, including Belize, has no confirmed cases of the novel virus. The ministry remains engaged with the Caribbean Public Health Agency to keep everyone abreast of the regional response. The best way to reduce spreading viruses and minimizing infection is by practicing proper hand washing hygiene, covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or inside elbows, and avoiding contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“It’s the common flu symptoms: dry cough, fever, body aches; that’s what is being documented as more information becomes available that it may be other symptoms. That’s one. Two, when we review the mortality situation, we found out that most of the patients that had died had other chronic diseases—diabetes, hypertension—and it seemed to be older patients that were dying. I think the average of those when we reviewed data last week was sixty-five. So it is a virus that can complicate any situation in any given patient that may have any other chronic diseases. Basic hand washing becomes the hallmark of prevention and proper respiratory hygiene, which means should avoid touching your face. If you do have the flu, avoid being in contact with others. Coughing into your elbow, the usual situations that we have been bringing across whenever the flu comes around.”