Belize Inches Closer to End of 28 Day Incubation Period

Belize is nearing the end of the twenty-eight day incubation period since the last publicly reported confirmed case of COVID-19.  While we prepare to breathe a collective sigh of relief and anticipate further relaxation of regulations under the existing state of emergency, we are not completely out of the woods.  Monday officially marks the end of that month-long window; it is also the day set for the next meeting of the National Oversight Committee which will determine what those relaxed measures will be.  While there are enough supplies in stock of P.P.E.s and ventilators, this morning, the prime minister informed that citizens will subsequently be allowed to move about the country for the sake of domestic tourism.

Dean Barrow

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“There is still no new confirmed COVID-19 case and Monday will be the twenty-eight day marker, providing this position of no new positive holds through this weekend.  If it does so, and we do reach that twenty-eight day milestone, we can promise you a further relaxation of some of the remaining restrictions.  The National Oversight Committee will meet as usual on Monday, followed by Cabinet on Tuesday.  They will be asked now to provide for greater cross district movement, particularly so as to enable a domestic tourism push.  The hotels, as you know, have already been given permission to reopen, but now we would expressly provide for the ability of local guests at our hotels to be able to enjoy the amenities, including the pool, including walking along the beach, and including swimming in the sea.  Of course, the social distancing requirements will remain in place so that group swimming and group strolling, if you will, will still be prohibited.”