When asked about relevant training for nurses to better cope with COVID, she responded that nurses are trained to deal with pandemics. Nurse Lizette Bell, Chief Nursing Officer & Chair, Nurses & Midwives Council “In nursing training there is a component that you need to look at as it relates to proper infection control […]
While there is a pronounced shortage of nurses in Belize, we are not the only country experiencing it. And, when nurses fall victim to COVID, it compounds the challenge of having adequate staffing to deal with the sick. But, Nurse Bell says the Ministry of Health is doing the best it can. Nurse Lizette […]
Since the reopening of schools last Monday, there have been reports of COVID clusters among teachers of at least one school, and reports of other cases have caused more concerns over whether the reopening of schools was a good decision. But Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca told News Five that with all precautionary measures in […]
On Friday Dr. Julio Sabido was confirmed as the new C.E.O. for the Ministry of Health. Prime Minister John Briceño told News Five on Saturday that Dr. Sabido is a good fit for the job. The PM says Sabido will help implement PlanBelize health goals. Prime Minister John Briceño “As you all know, Ms […]
For almost two months, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has been operating without a C.E.O., after Doctor Deysi Mendez was terminated from the post in late November. Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie had been acting in the position, signing off of documents and other matters. With Doctor Lesbia Guerra refusing to take up the post, […]
News Five today spoke with the President of the Public Service Union, Dean Flowers, who says that as a union they have no say in the appointment of a C.E.O. But, he notes that there are negative rumblings about Doctor Julio Sabido being tapped for health C.E.O. Dean Flowers, President, P.S.U. “I must congratulate […]
And, the P.S.U. believes that the chorus of the new Health Minister signals a new way forward. Last Wednesday, on January twelfth, the union issued a letter to Minister Bernard referencing human and administrative matters of interest and concerns. Chief among its greatest concerns were the absence and political interference in the posting of regional […]
Since the P.U.P. took office, former Director of Health Services Doctor Marvin Manzanero made the news for several reasons. He survived his bout with COVID-19, but was eventually pushed out of the post. The Director of Health Services post was made redundant, and then in December, he was given his termination letter. This all happened […]
Fans of performing artist Marlyn Vansen were surprised over the weekend when she posted about her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. The singer, dancer, and mother of a one year old daughter posted to her Facebook that in addition to these identities, she is now also an M.S. Warrior. She was diagnosed on January eighth with the […]
On Thursday, the B.T.B. announced a new travel insurance requirement for visitors. Some confusion erupted on social media, but to clarify, the mandate applies only to visitors coming into Belize through the land borders and the airport. It will not apply to Belizean nationals, permanent residence, travelers with Q.R.P. or Long Stay status, and flight […]
The Belize Hotel Association has expressed concerns which it says its members have over the mandatory insurance coverage implemented by the Belize Tourism Board for visitors to Belize. The B.T.B. announced on Thursday that effective February fifteenth, 2022, all visitors to Belize are required to apply for a mandatory Belize Travel Health Insurance to help […]
On Thursday, News Five’s COVID Chronicles looked at pediatric COVID cases and the impact of the virus on families. Tonight, Duane Moody digs even deeper, looking at the painful reality that there have been two children who did not make it, and how the death of the first child in October of 2020 caused a […]
The Ministry of Health and Wellness received a pair of Gene Xpert machines and six hundred and thirty-one COVID testing kits earlier today from the United Nations Development Programme. This is in collaboration with the National AIDS Commission under the framework of the Global Fund Project titled Building Resilience Through Innovation and National Accountability for […]
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has a new Chief Executive Officer. He is Doctor Julio Sabido. His name had come up before for the vacant post, but the confirmation came today. The new Health C.E.O. is on sick leave, however, reportedly with COVID-19. Doctor Sabido has a Master’s Degree in public health nutrition; a […]
U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Task Force Bravo today concluded a six-day medical outreach program in the Toledo District in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The joint medical teams provided preventive and primary care, dental, and pharmacy services in the Jalacte and San Pedro Columbia villages to almost eight hundred area residents. Over […]
On Wednesday, we shared information which indicated that Belize has reached a record high of COVID-19 cases. Deputy Manager of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s Central Health Region, Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, confirmed that yes, this is the highest wave and record, to date, in Belize. Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Deputy Manager, Central Health Region […]
While the number of new infections dipped for the first time this week to below a thousand, Dr. Diaz-Musa said that this is by no means a sign that the wave has peaked. In fact, as she explains, it could mean quite the contrary. Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Deputy Manager, Central Health Region “It is […]
While we were with the Minister of Public Service, News Five also asked him for an update on the three director posts that were created to usurp the duties of former Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero. As you may recall, back in November, vacancies came out for a Director of Hospital Services and […]
COVID-19 numbers are skyrocketing – it’s the highest the country has ever seen since the virus was first detected in Belize. Belizeans are alarmed and wondering what will happen next. The big question is: will we go into another lockdown? Minister Henry Charles Usher told News Five today that Cabinet continues to be advised by […]
So given the COVID data, is cabinet planning to institute a new statutory instrument to adjust COVID-19 regulations? Still in effect is S.I. one-fifty-one of 2021, which in early December had changed the curfew so it begins at eleven p.m. from Sundays to Thursdays, and twelve midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. That S.I. expires on […]
In February, all visitors to Belize will be required to buy Belize Travel Health Insurance. The Belize Tourism Board states that the mandate is to protect travelers against medical and other expenses incurred if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay. The cost will be eighteen U.S. dollars, and the plan covers up to […]
There may be nothing worse than worrying about a sick child. But, over the past few months that is exactly what health care workers and families all over Belize have had to do with the increase in paediatric COVID cases. In tonight’s episode of COVID Chronicles, News Five’s Duane Moody introduces you to a paediatrician […]
It’s only three days into the reopening of schools for hybrid learning across the country, but there are already reports that COVID-19 may be spreading at some schools. Reports began circulating on social media that teachers and students from several schools in the Belize District have tested positive for COVID. This, of course, was cause […]
C.E.O. Maheia noted that schools must strictly adhere to their preventative measures in order to prevent an outbreak in school. This will require schools to strongly enforce these regulations at the front gate. C.E.O. Maheia also advised parents to monitor their children, and to keep them away from school if they are displaying flu like […]
According to Total Business Solution Limited’s website, Belize has now reached a record high of COVID-19 cases since the disease was first detected in the country in March of 2020. Data coming from T.B.S.L.’s website shows that there are now six thousand and eighty-eight active recorded cases in the country. Up to last week Friday, […]
