DHS Cautions Public Not to Get too Relaxed with Health and Safety Measures

Marvin Manzanero

The ease of restrictions is because there is still no active case of COVID-19 in Belize tonight. Belize has passed its first wave of the disease but the risk for positive cases remains high as the numbers continue to grow in neighbouring countries.  In fact, to our west, Guatemala has gone on a virtual lockdown for the next three days given the increasing numbers of cases on that side of the border. In Quintana Roo Mexico, one thousand two hundred and fifty seven cases have been reported. Neighbouring Othon P. Blanco, which includes Chetumal, reports thirty-seven cases with six deaths. Locally, the Ministry of Health is conducting random testing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  The Ministry of Health’s latest COVID-19 infographics shows one thousand two hundred and seventy four tests done; and one thousand two hundred and forty-six negatives, with nine cases under investigation. But with no active cases and the relaxation of restrictions, the Director of Health Services Doctor Marvin Manzanero cautions the public to adhere to personal protection measures regardless of this relaxation.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“The major headache right now is people doing illegal crossings. I don’t even think that the issue with the truckers is much of a problem especially if they are just coming in without really having human interaction and going back out. Not too concerned a vehicle is going to bring the virus, it got to be more human to human contact. I can appreciate the concern. And one final message because I am already starting to see some flurry in terms of the relaxation of measures. It doesn’t mean you have an open letter to go about everywhere. The same physical distancing measures that we have been highlighting for the last couple of months, those will remain. That becomes part of the new norm. It is still not an open book, as far as we understand it, for people to have parties and those big events. We are still not there yet.”