Flu clinics have been set up across the country as part of the efforts to identify COVID-19 cases. In San Ignacio, the clinic was partially set up at the San Ignacio Hospital. But a video recorded by one a doctor shows the shocking state of the western flu clinic. In the video, the doctor describes […]
Farmers suffered millions of dollars in losses in 2019 due to the drought. They were barely recovering when the COVID-19 started to spread in Belize, bringing economic activity to a halt. The farmers are again losing money and unable to export livestock across the border to Guatemala. But while borders are closed, trade continues. Hundreds […]
Additional measures taken by government to lockdown Cayo District for fourteen days have further restricted the movement of residents in the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio. Delivery, takeout and drive-thru services have been suspended for the next two weeks and everyone, with the exception of essential workers, is being asked to remain […]
As cases of COVID-19 pop up in different parts of the country, the use of masks is becoming more prevalent, but less available for purchase. Frontline workers in health, sanitation and security services were gifted today with twenty thousand masks for use in the execution of their duties. The donation was made by the Honorary […]
COVID-19 patient number eight, fifty-year-old land inspector Ramsley Gillett, remains hospitalized tonight. Gillett tested positive for COVID-19 on April seventh and is currently in the isolation area of the Corozal Community Hospital. The experts say that he is not on a ventilator. Before his condition was confirmed, Gillett was referred by a private facility twice […]
The Easter holiday is well upon us so there are those hot cross buns that form part of our diet in the next few days. We will all be at home and tempted to run to the fridge frequently or grab unhealthy snacks from the pantry. So the Ministry of Health is advising the public […]
If you will be doing grocery shopping over the weekend, aside from social distancing and wearing face masks, the nutritionist advises to be careful what you touch at the supermarket. Whatever items you buy and take home, Ada Cuello says make sure that you sanitize them with a homemade disinfectant. Ada Cuello, Nutritionist “Right […]
The adage Breast is Best still applies to keep babies healthy and strong. The experts are recommending that mothers continue to breastfeed but to take the necessary measures to protect their baby from the virus. Ada Cuello, Nutritionist “We are still encourage to breast feed even if you are suspected or confirmed case of […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has usurped everyone’s attention. It’s on local and international television; it’s all over social media and the main topic of every group chat, and even at dinner time. This pandemic has drastically changed our routines. It has robbed thousands of an income and left us all a little or a lot anxious […]
There is a most worrisome report coming out of the region tonight. Heads of Government of SICA met in March and adopted a Regional Contingency Plan to combat the novel coronavirus. A release from SICA says that the region is benefitting from one hundred and eighty thousand testing kits from the Republic of Korea, which […]
There will be an increase in sampling and testing countrywide especially in the Cayo and Corozal Districts for the COVID-19 virus. However, supplies such as swabs to collect samples are running low. This will restrict the amount of testing that Belize can do but according to Director of Health Services Doctor Marvin Manzanero, officials here […]
There is a second confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Corozal District. The patient is Ramsey Gillett, a brave public officer who works at the Lands Department in Corozal Town and resides there with his wife and two children. Gillett’s sister, during the course of this afternoon, provided details on Gillett’s identity as a means […]
Mapping and testing of other persons infected by the virus continues by the Ministry of Health. On ‘Ask the Experts’ today, Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero provided an update on patients six and seven and shared that the test results for patients one and two are due tonight or early Thursday morning. Doctor […]
There are now a total of eight Belizeans who tested positive for the virus. And it is expected that the number will increase in the days to come. While the hope is that COVID-19 patients will recover, it is not accurate to say that they would be cured. The New York Post reported on Tuesday […]
Patient six is San Ignacio businessman, Nigel Espat, who says he is recovering from the deadly virus. Espat spoke to News Five on Tuesday evening and this morning, he described in detail his condition on Open Your Eyes. He was diagnosed on April sixth and has not required medication. Espat is a type-two diabetic, but […]
Nigel Espat is expected to be re-tested early next week to determine if his body has been able to dispose of the virus. He will be re-tested twice according to health officials. The businessman says he has been keeping a positive mind, staying away from negativity and encouraging an end to stigma and discrimination. He […]
Tensions are decreasing between the Nurses Association of Belize and the Ministry of Health. Both parties met today to discuss concerns brought up by the association related to the equipment for frontline workers who are at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. The association says that Belize’s health system is not prepared for the COVID-19 […]
According to Darrell Spencer, communication between both parties will continue in the days ahead. As for the flimsy tents used for the COVID-19 areas in hospital countrywide, Spencer says that the Ministry has begun placing the tents with wooden structures. On the Phone: Darrell Spencer, President, Nurses Association of Belize “Corozal, Belmopan, and San […]
All non-essential establishments are closed and that includes businesses that sell stationery items. Although the Stationery House Retail Outlet on Slaughterhouse Road in Belize City is closed for Belize City and their workers sent on paid vacation, that hasn’t stopped proprietor Giovanni Alamilla to make use of some of his office supplies in stock. Alamilla […]
The body of fifty-five-year-old Hubert Pipersburgh, the first casualty of COVID-19 in Belize, was reportedly cremated on Monday night. The disposal of the remains of patients who succumb to complications related to the novel coronavirus has since become a question, as it is expected that there may be other deaths associated with the pandemic locally. […]
The Ministry of Health conducted thirty-five tests on Monday, all of which resulted negative for the COVID-19 virus. So far, three hundred and three persons have been screened and thirty-one are under investigation. The number of confirmed cases remains at seven, including now deceased Hubert Pipersburgh, known as patient four. Mapping of persons he came […]
According to Doctor Marvin Manzanero, while patient seven is hospitalized at the K.H.M.H., he is doing well. Patient one and two are recovering in San Pedro Town and are expected to be swabbed today. Dr. Manzanero says that patient three should be swabbed by early next week, at the latest. This is to determine if […]
The Ministry of Health says that it will step up its COVID-19 testing. Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero says that they are expanding their screening efforts as they cover the mapping exercise of the latest COVID-19 patients. He noted that those who are tested will be re-tested to ensure that they are negative […]
There are many questions on people’s minds. Are there enough ventilators, personal protective gears or test kits? As you’ve heard and seen, the pandemic is always evolving and so is a country’s preparedness. So, to step up its preparedness plan, the Ministry of Health says that they have been buying the equipment and supplies needed, […]
Of the seven confirmed cases, the Cayo District accounts for three COVID-19 infections, including one deceased person. So at eight tonight, that district goes on lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus. It means that travel to and from the district will be restricted to essential services. News Five’s Isani Cayetano looks at what […]
