MOHW Comments on Exceptions for Tourist Zones

Deysi Mendez

Many are asking whether the decision to make exceptions for the Placencia, Caye Cualker, San Pedro and Hopkins in the latest COVID regulations is backed by science or purely economic. Here is the response we were given to that question.

Deysi Mendez, C.E.O., Ministry of Health & Wellness

“I think we can say that, the economic recovery hasn’t been focused only on the economy but also been looking at the health factors, and the decision to those. We have to be looking at the social benefit and good of the people we serve. And, so far the response in managing the pandemic with tourism has been positive and it works, it has been working. Hence we can say, the scenario is not similar country wide. The implications of the new regulation are where much attention and much control is need so that we can preserve lives and get a response to the pandemic.”

Julio Sabido

Dr. Julio Sabido, Medical Officer, Ministry of Health & Wellness

“I just add that as a physician I understand that we have to balance the economy and that. Bear in mind that all these nurses, and physicians, and other quandary of health care workers that the office of the Prime Minister have given support to, higher, comes at a cost. So, the money has to come from somewhere.”

Marcelo Coyi

Dr. Marcelo Coyi, Belize Medical Associates

“Whenever there is movement, as I said in my presentation, there is risk, increases of transmission indeed. And, if you are going to say that you will extend it to certain areas, obviously that is a risk factor towards increased transmission. Nobody ah lie to yo and nuh tell yo that. But, the people who are coming to the country who are tourist all have a negative test, whether it is rapid or PCR, they do have a negative test towards infections. It means that the risks are decreased, because the people who are mingling in these tourist areas are people who are bringing a negative test.”