Funerals Still Limited to 10 Attendees; Processions Not Allowed
Large funeral processions are a growing concern for both the Belize Police Department and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Earlier this week, the police spokesman laid the blame on the Ministry of Health and Wellness because they have the authority to sanction such large gatherings. Today, however, Minister Bernard said no permission was sought, and the behavior of those gathered is irresponsible.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness
“I want to clear that up as well, because there were no such authorization and the regulation is clear, the S.I is clear, the limitations of gathering, and so we must understand. Unfortunately that happened and measures were not taken by the police. I am not here to cast blame back to the police. I am just here to say to the general public, there is a process; there is a procedure where you want to deal with certain things like this. We are saying at the Ministry of Health and Wellness; let us stick by the regulations.”
Paul Lopez
“Remind us of the regulations?”
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness
“It is ten people max; yes it is a maximum of ten persons. And if you want to have more you will have to apply to the Ministry and it is only up to a certain number. Those persons have to be fully vaccinated and present their proof of vaccination in order to get the permission.”
Paul Lopez
“Would you classify this behavior as irresponsible?”
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness
“It is, it is irresponsible, and I call it out. It is a very irresponsible act and that is why I have been saying, this is what is causing the spread of the virus. If we don’t do what is right we will continue to have these challenges .”
Reporter
“Is the Ministry looking at holding these funeral planners responsible or meet with them to say you need to try to work with the families?”
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness
“Well, I will say this, I have not mentioned it to Dr. Musa that sits on the COVID-19 response team, but that is an item on the agenda for next Monday’s discussion.”
