Coronavirus In Belize: Any Cases So Far?

As of August 2024, Belize is facing rising coronavirus cases. However, in March 2020, there were no cases of COVID-19 in Belize, and the government took proactive measures to prevent its spread. These included spreading awareness about preventive strategies, such as covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and discouraging the spread of misinformation. By May 2021, Belize had reported 12,764 infections and 323 coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began. In November 2020, the country held elections amid rising coronavirus cases, with the ruling party seeking a fourth consecutive term. As of 2024, there have been 4,230 confirmed cases and 71 deaths.

Belize's COVID-19 entry requirements

As of July 12, 2022, Belize has removed all COVID-19 public health measures at its points of entry (land and sea). This means that there are no specific COVID-19 entry requirements for Belize. However, there are still some general entry requirements that you should be aware of before travelling to Belize.

Firstly, all visitors to Belize must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after their arrival, and proof of their intent to depart the country, such as a return or onward ticket. While visas are not required for citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central American countries, citizens of other countries may need to apply for a visa before travelling to Belize. You can check if you need a visa by visiting the website of the Belize Embassy in your country.

In addition to these entry requirements, there are also some COVID-19-related recommendations that you should consider when travelling to Belize. It is recommended that tourists stay at Gold Standard certified accommodations and use tour operators, tourism transportation providers, restaurants, tourism sites and attractions, and gift shops that have implemented enhanced health and safety measures. If you start to exhibit any COVID-like symptoms during your stay in Belize, you should immediately notify your hotel’s front desk, who will implement their COVID-19 Response Plan. If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Belize, you will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 7 days. It is also highly recommended that you obtain the Belize Travel Health Insurance to cover any costs if you become sick during your vacation.

The country's coronavirus cases and deaths

Belize has had a varied experience with the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020, the country reported its first case of COVID-19. The government took swift action to prevent the spread of the virus, including mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and extensive contact tracing. Belize also implemented curfews and restricted gatherings to prevent community transmission. These measures were successful, and by May 2020, the country had reached zero active cases.

However, the situation remained dynamic, and Belize continued to battle the pandemic. As of May 24, 2021, the country had reported 12,764 infections and 323 coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic's start. The numbers continued to fluctuate, and by the time of the November 2020 elections, there were rising concerns about increasing coronavirus infections. At that point, the country had recorded 4,230 confirmed cases and 71 deaths.

The coronavirus situation in Belize has been a critical issue, with both major political parties pledging to dedicate significant resources to flattening the curve of infections. The pandemic's impact has been exacerbated by the challenges faced by the country's tourism sector, which is a vital part of Belize's economy. The tourism industry suffered due to border closures and restrictions, and the government implemented initiatives to support the affected businesses and individuals.

As of August 2024, Belize was facing rising coronavirus cases once again, with the latest reports indicating 83 active cases as of May 24, 2021. The country continued to enforce COVID-19 safety measures and had a Tourism Gold Standard in place to protect visitors and citizens alike. The exact number of cases and the overall situation in Belize as of August 2024 is unclear, but the country remains vigilant in its fight against the pandemic.

The impact on tourism

As of March 3, 2020, there were no cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Belize. The Belize government was taking proactive measures to prevent the virus from entering the country, such as spreading strategies to minimise infection. These included covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, avoiding contact with people who have flu-like symptoms, and disinfecting common surfaces.

The impact of the coronavirus on tourism in Belize has been significant. Tourism attracts the most foreign direct investment to the country, and Belize is known as a popular wedding destination for those seeking an exotic Caribbean experience. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, the country has seen a decrease in tourism, which has had a negative impact on the economy.

Belize has implemented safety measures to protect both locals and tourists. The Belize Tourism Board, for example, launched the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program, which recognises businesses in the tourism industry that have implemented enhanced safety and cleanliness measures. These measures include social distancing, enhanced sanitation protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Additionally, the Belize government has been working to provide accurate information to citizens and tourists, dispelling any false information or fear-mongering rumours. They have also been monitoring cases in nearby countries and have been prepared to act accordingly.

Despite these efforts, the pandemic has continued to impact Belize's tourism industry. In response, the main opposition People's United Party has proposed fast-tracking an $80 million stimulus package to boost the economy and support the health system in dealing with the coronavirus.

Overall, while Belize has taken proactive measures to address the coronavirus and its impact on tourism, the pandemic has still had significant negative effects on the industry, highlighting the challenges of managing a global health crisis in a highly interconnected world.

Government measures to prevent the spread

The Belizean government has implemented several measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here are some of the key strategies they have employed:

Early Intervention: The government took anticipatory measures before the first case was confirmed in Belize. They recognised the risk of importation of cases from nearby countries like Mexico and implemented strategies to prevent community transmission.

Limiting Conglomeration of People: Social gatherings were restricted to prevent the spread of the virus. Initially, gatherings were limited to 100 people, but as cases emerged in Central America, this number was reduced to 25.

Curfews: A curfew was implemented from 8 pm to 5 am on election night, and a national curfew was put in place from 5 am to 8 pm during the state of emergency.

Closure of Schools and Universities: The government took proactive steps by closing schools, day-care centres, and universities to prevent the spread of the virus among students and staff.

Social Distancing: Social distancing of at least three feet was mandated in public places, and gatherings were prohibited except for funerals, which were capped at 10 people.

Mandatory Mask-wearing: The government made it mandatory for all citizens to wear face masks in public, especially during the recovery phase when most businesses were allowed to reopen.

Travel Restrictions: All borders were closed, and even Belizean nationals were prohibited from entering the country. Only those with a single or dual dose vaccine or a negative test result were allowed entry.

Quarantine and Isolation: A state of emergency and quarantine were declared for Ambergris Caye, the country's most populated island, after the first confirmed case. The entire country was placed under a state of emergency after the third case, and the Cayo district was locked down due to a potential second cluster of infections.

Contact Tracing: Extensive contact tracing was conducted for each positive case, and close contacts were mandated to self-isolate.

Hygiene and Disinfection: Campaigns were conducted to educate the public about proper hand-washing hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette. All forms of public transportation were required to disinfect their vessels after each run.

Economic Support: The government recognised the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry and worked to reopen the economy gradually. They also implemented initiatives to alleviate the hardships caused by unemployment and provided assistance to the tourism sector.

The country's vaccination status

Belize has been taking measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has been receiving vaccine donations from the United States, with 232,950 Pfizer doses donated since August 2021. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports the Ministry of Health and Wellness' COVID-19 vaccination initiative, which offers vaccinations to everyone aged 12 and above.

For children aged 12 to 17, the Pfizer vaccine is available, while adults aged 18 and over can receive the Oxford AstraZeneca or Sinopharm vaccines. The Ministry of Health and Wellness provides recommendations for those preparing to receive the vaccine, such as eating a heavy meal beforehand and informing health officials of any allergies or underlying health conditions.

Despite these efforts, Belize has experienced rising coronavirus cases, with 4,230 confirmed cases and 71 deaths as of August 2024. The country held its ninth parliamentary election during this surge, with voting officials enforcing social distancing and mask mandates at polling stations. The major political parties have proposed various initiatives to address the pandemic, including the allocation of more resources to curb infections and the fast-tracking of an $80 million stimulus package to revive the economy.

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