Belizeans are still being encouraged to get their jabs if they are not already fully vaccinated and boosted. And now, you may have more time to do so. The Pfizer drug company has gotten approval to extend the deadline for its vaccine efficacy. In other words, if the original date for the shipment sent to […]
It seems some people have begun cashing in on the COVID-19 testing market, without the approval of the Ministry of Health. Today the M.O.H.W. issued a reminder that Statutory Instrument Number fifteen of 2022 states that every person who desires to offer testing for COVID must apply in writing to the ministry responsible for health […]
Since it began wreaking havoc across the country at the end of last year, Omicron remains at the forefront of the public health discussion. Much has been said about the highly contagious strain of the COVID-19 virus. Tonight’s COVID Chronicles looks at a few facts and misconceptions, as well as the likelihood of a fourth […]
Turning to health news, it is a surgery that has saved countless lives over the world for people whose kidneys have stopped functioning. Now kidney transplants will be available to patients right here in Belize, with the first ever life-saving procedure to be performed at the national referral hospital, the Karl Heusner Memorial. News Five’s […]
Finally there is some really good COVID-19 news. The numbers are trending down. The latest statistics coming out of the Epidemiology Unit at the Ministry of Health and Wellness indicate the daily positivity rate should be back to pre-Omicron numbers as soon as mid- February. A recent graph which shows the “Projected Prevalence of COVID-19 […]
Manzanero notes that graphs are projections based on a model of the current trend. It is not an exact science, but could be pretty accurate if the daily positivity rate continues to trend downward. Other variables are the enforcement of COVID-19 regulations as well as the vaccination uptake. But, what about the curfew? Will lower […]
And while the projections are promising, COVID-19 cases could increase as a result of the land borders reopening. It is a risk that comes with people gathering and moving by the masses. But again, Manzanero explained that erring on the side of caution will mitigate those risks. Russell Manzanero, Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health & […]
There is also some good news regarding Dr. Marvin Manzanero. Over the weekend, the Minister of Health, Kevin Bernard, announced that the former Director of Health Services has accepted the new post of Director of International Cooperation. This was one of three posts in the Ministry of Health and Wellness which have been vacant for […]
Meanwhile, the deadline for applications to fill the other two posts – Director of Hospital Services and Allied Health and Director of Public Health and Wellness— closed on Monday. The Minister told us that the Ministry has received a number of applications. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness “I am very much aware […]
The current shipping challenges that have prevailed over several months have compounded an already short supply of medications brought on by the mid-2020 budget cuts that the National Health Insurance had imposed for imaging, laboratory, and pharmaceutical services. But, Minister Bernard assured today that the patients will be able to access their medications in the […]
What’s happening with the hundreds of students from neighbouring Guatemala who study in Belize? Today, a News Five team visited with Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Primary School in Benque Viejo del Carmen. About twenty percent of its student population resides in Guatemala, and pre-pandemic, they commuted daily across the border for classes. The process that […]
And, while there has not been a rush of Belizeans heading across the border yet, health and border officials do expect an influx of traveling Belizeans over the weekend. But, Dr. Gilharry says, they are prepared for the exodus. Dr. Angela Gilharry, Medical Chief of Staff, Corozal Community Hospital “Definitely at the beginning when […]
The land borders and sea ports were finally reopened and it would appear, based on the current COVID numbers, that the timing was right on the mark. The infographics that the Ministry of Health and Wellness released today shows that the rate of recovery for COVID patients is now consistently outnumbering the newly infected ones. […]
We also asked Dr. Gilharry about the process someone will have to undergo if they test positive at the border upon return. She explained the process for Belizeans and tourists. Dr. Angela Gilharry, Medical Chief of Staff, Corozal Community Hospital “If it is positive and you are a Belizean, you will be allowed to […]
As the vaccination and testing requirements for travelling through the land borders are being shared with the public, one question that has come up in online forums is: what happens if you want to take your children with you? On this morning’s Open Your Eyes, the hosts asked Dr. Julio Sabido, the C.E.O. of the […]
Another issue the public has been wondering about is what happens to those who test positive during the border screening? OYE host, Isani Cayetano, gave Dr. Sabido the scenario of a traveller from Belize City who is wondering what they need to do after they get that result many miles away from their home. He […]
As we have been reporting, land borders are scheduled to reopen on Monday February seventh. We will be taking a closer look at those protocols later in the newscast during our COVID Chronicles segment. But today, when we caught up with the Minister of Health and Wellness at an event in Belize City, we asked […]
The protocols at the borders include showing proof of vaccination, and if you spend longer than twenty-four hours outside Belize, you must be tested. Since the start of the year, Mexico and Guatemala have been recording a spike in COVID-19 cases. So, there are some activities you may want to consider staying clear of when […]
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has had to dispose of tens of thousands of vaccines because they expired. This has caused the Ministry to take a closer look at its vaccination campaign. With over two hundred thousand Belizeans having received their second dose, Minister of Health, Kevin Bernard, is advising Belizeans to get their […]
And, while a large quantity of expired AstraZeneca vaccines had to be disposed of at the end of January, the ministry is in the process of procuring more of that same brand of vaccine. Deputy Manager of the Central Health Region, Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa explained that there are still some people who want that particular […]
One shot that may soon also be available is COVID boosters for children between the ages of twelve and seventeen. Dr. Diaz-Musa has more on this and pop-up vaccine clinics. Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Deputy Manager, Central Health Region “This is something that we are in constant discussion about and the final memo has not […]
The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations handed over a set of office equipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Central Health Region. Today, a ceremony was held at the Belize Tourism Board headquarters in Belize City where we heard how the equipment will be put to use. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health […]
Tonight on News Five’s COVID Chronicles, the long awaited reopening of the land borders happens next Monday. And, while some of you may already be putting your passports in your bags and finding stray pesos at the bottom of them, others are not so sure about going to Chetumal or Melchor de Mencos just yet. […]
Even though the number of new COVID infection is in the triple digits daily, there seems to be a slight dip in the overall infection rate. There are now more recoveries than infections. Deputy Regional Health Manager for the Central Health Region, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa said that while the infection rate varies from district to […]
…and while you may be concerned about the numbers shooting up again when the land borders are reopened, Doctor Musa said that very strict protocols are being introduced at those facilities. Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Deputy Regional Health Manager, Central Health Region “I think that the way that the way that we are moving forward […]
