B.D.F. Vaccination Rate Increasing; Still Below 50%

Anthony Velasquez

Currently, three Belize Defense Force officers are positive for the COVID-19 virus.  Lieutenant Colonel Velasquez confirmed that around forty-two percent of B.D.F. soldiers have been vaccinated to date and that this represents a significant increase from a few weeks ago.  But is it enough? Especially since Statutory Instrument seventy-two mandates that as of Sunday, August first, officers who have not been vaccinated must present a negative COVID test every two weeks.

Lt. Col. Anthony Velasquez, Chief of Staff, B.D.F.

“The last time I spoke to the media we had about ten percent vaccinated. Right now we have a very high number. We have, and I am just guessing at this point in time, we have probably about forty percent of the soldiers vaccinated.   Since recent weeks, many soldiers have been lining up to get the vaccine. The medic centers are always full, everyday, that we offer the vaccine.  So, a huge number of solider are either taking the vaccine or have taken the vaccine.  The ones that are out in the field, they rotate. Every two weeks they get to come out. So, most of them in the field right now have already taken the vaccine. So, that is not a problem at all.”