The big news tonight is that COVID-19 concerns in southern Belize have caused G.O.B. to lock down the villages of Midway, Conejo and Barranco in Toledo to contain the spread. The latest infographic from the Ministry of Health and Wellness shows that there are sixteen new infections reported in the Toledo District, eleven of those […]
There are three hundred and twelve active COVID-19 cases tonight. The latest data for today shows forty-three new cases, one new death and three hospitalizations. Today, Minister Michel Chebat gave a rundown of the ministry’s COVID-19 beds and medical equipment at hospitals across the country. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness “In relations […]
During today’s House Meeting, the Minister of Health and Wellness also gave an update on the total number of persons that have been vaccinated so far across the country. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness “As of July first, 2021, a total of three thousand three hundred and sixty-one doses were issued, bringing […]
Has the rise in COVID-19 led to Belize being flagged as a moderate travel risk? Just last week, Belize was listed as a country with low-risk for travelers, but all that has changed. Today, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler appealed to Belizeans to follow the protocols to contain the spread of the […]
It’s been in the news for the last couple of days and today, the much talked about constitutional amendment bill was introduced in the House. Minister of Constitutional and Political Reform, Henry Usher introduced the bill for an act to amend the constitution to provide for additional grounds for the disqualification of a person as […]
And the man who has been talking about this bill is no other than the new Leader of the Opposition himself, Moses Shyne Barrow. He says that while he supports the scope that touches on anti-corruption measures, he strongly opposes the way it is being presented. He believes he is being targeted with this specific […]
Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Kareem Musa says he wants to untangle marijuana policies and expunge police records for possession of the weed. Today, he introduced a bill for an act to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act to establish licensing, registration and operational requirements for the cultivation, processing, distribution and delivery […]
So, what does this all mean? Well, following today’s House Meeting, Minister Musa told reporters that they have already set up a commission – it joins up with the Hemp Committee and is now called the “Industrial Hemp and Cannabis Control Commission.” The commission will help to ensure fairness and that small scale planters can […]
And in today’s House proceedings, Moses Shyne Barrow made his first presentation as the Leader of the Opposition. And he made his debut by, for the first time in the history of the Sitting of the House of National Assembly, engaging Standing Order Twenty-Two for which he was granted leave to make a personal explanation. […]
If you passed by Swift Hall or Central Health Region clinics today, you probably noticed some long lines. This follows Wednesday’s announcement by the Government of Belize that persons eighteen years old and over are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 jabs. And the mandate that frontline workers only have thirty days to get their […]
While it seems that there were indeed lines at vaccine centers today, the Deputy Regional Manager for the Central Health Region, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa gave News Five some numbers for comparison. She says although people have been coming in steadily for their vaccinations under the phased system which begun in March, this week there has […]
The Public Service Union, which represents quite a number of frontline workers, is yet to formulate a position on government’s latest move to compel employees to get vaccinated. On Wednesday, during a press conference held by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, it was made clear that persons who have not received their doses of […]
According to Flowers, the debate surrounding government’s hard-line position is whether it impinges on one’s fundamental right to make such a personal decision. Dean Flowers, President, P.S.U. “While the argument is of course government’s attempt or employers’ attempt to provide a healthy and safe workplace for all employees, whether they attempt to force one […]
A lot of people have been asking when the Mexican border will open to allow Belizeans to access Mexico, particularly Chetumal. Currently the border is only open for tourists. But just what is it like right now in the city right across the border and do Mexicans want the border open to Belizeans? Today News […]
With concern that the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus may now be circulating in Belize, people are wondering if this strain is even deadlier than one we have already experienced. But health experts say that the symptoms brought on by the Delta variant is not greater in severity. The concern, however, according to Doctor […]
Doctor Fernando Cuellar took issue with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ press conference on Wednesday. He says not only was the relevant information not available to the media, but it gave the impression to the Belizean public that our local health system is prepared to take on the Delta strain. Doctor Cuellar says no […]
Seeking to allay people’s fears about the COVID-19 vaccine, Doctor Jorge Hidalgo, Intensive Care Specialist at the Belize Health Care Partners, told the hosts of Open Your Eyes that the vaccines are backed by years of research and scientific evidence. He says the public needs to consider facts, not just what is shared on social […]
The formal exportation of cattle to the Mexican market was further realised today when the process of transporting hundreds of head of cattle to that neighbouring country began. The Mexican government is now accepting livestock from Shipyard, which will now serve as a hub for its exportation. It’s an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture […]
It was the talk of Belize today: a variant of COVID has been detected. The sample is at a facility overseas to determine just which variant it is. At this time, however, the suspicion is that it is the Delta variant , but we will only know for sure once the results are back. So […]
And with variants being highly transmissible they can hit under-resourced and understaffed health systems very hard. And if the Delta is in Belize, it can mean a lot of pressure for Belize’s health sector. We put that to the Minister of Health, but he claims they are ready. Andrea Polanco “If it is Delta […]
COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing over the last several days. Today alone, twenty-four new cases were confirmed which puts the total active cases over two hundred and fifty. Today, prior to the release of the daily COVID-19 data, Minister Michel Chebat shared his concern over the growing number of cases. Michel Chebat, Minister […]
New COVID-19 measures will come into effect on Sunday, July fourth. The new measures are being implemented in light of the increase in COVID-cases. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa outlines the new regulations. Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs “The curfew will continue in place; so there will be an extension of the […]
Vaccines are now available for persons who are eighteen years and older. As you know, since the vaccine rollout began back in March, the government took a phased approach for different groups due to vaccine availability and priority for essential and vulnerable groups. But since they have acquired vaccines from several countries and COVAX, the […]
Should Belizeans be required to take the vaccine? It’s a divisive issue, but now the government says that they are approaching it in a different way where those who don’t take the vaccines must show a negative COVID test every two weeks. Today Minister of Home Affairs spoke on this new initiative while Prime Minister […]
COVID-19 vaccine uptake is the lowest among security forces. According to Minister Chebat, to date over twenty-nine thousand Belizeans have been fully vaccinated and the ministry expects that number to double over the next two months. Vaccine uptake among frontline workers is above seventy percent on average, except for the police force, B.D.F. officers and […]
