Belize Has Highest Rate of New COVID Infections in Central America

According to the Pan American Health Organization, Belize is reporting the highest rate of new COVID infections in Central America. In terms of the rest of the region, many of Mexico’s southern states have seen new infections triple, and infections are accelerating in Honduras and Costa Rica. There have been spikes in South America as well, with high numbers of cases in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, the Guianas, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. In the Caribbean, significant surges in infections were reported in Haiti and Martinique. P.A.H.O. is also concerned about the welfare of children in Latin America, since regular immunizations and routine doctor visits are down during the pandemic. Diseases like measles in Brazil and diphtheria in Haiti and the Dominican Republic have been coming back due to a drop in childhood vaccinations.  In addition, while COVID hospitalizations and severe cases are more frequent among children with preexisting diseases, such as diabetes and asthma, most of these children recover. But, many children in the hemisphere remain out of the classroom, jeopardizing their social, mental, and physical wellbeing. P.A.H.O. is urging parents to ensure their children are getting immunized, and authorities must work to ensure the safe return to the classroom as soon as possible.