Belize's Response To Covid-19

Belize was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the virus reaching the country on 23 March 2020. The country's first case was a Belizean woman who had returned to San Pedro Town from Los Angeles, California. The Belizean government responded by imposing a state of emergency, restricting freedom of movement, and closing schools. The Queen of Belize addressed the nation, offering words of comfort and hope. Belize's vaccination campaign began six weeks after the first vaccine was administered in Central America, and by early June 2021, the country had administered 18.04 doses per 100 people.

How did coronavirus reach Belize?

The COVID-19 pandemic in Belize is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was confirmed to have reached Belize on 23 March 2020, when a Belizean woman who had returned to San Pedro Town from Los Angeles, California, tested positive. The second case was announced on 25 March and was a direct contact of the first case. The third case in Belize was announced on 29 March and was a traveller returning from New York City to Belize City.

The country's fifth confirmed case was a Belizean student who returned from Florida in the United States. They were reported to be in self-isolation at a quarantine facility and had no symptoms. By 13 April, the last of 18 initial domestic cases of the COVID-19 was reported in Belize. Of these, 2 people died (on 4 April and 10 April).

On 5 June, a new case was reported. It was a male Belizean National who returned home on a cruise ship with other Belizeans. He was already under quarantine when the case was reported. On 6 June or 7 June, a 22-year-old infected but asymptomatic female was caught entering the country illegally and was placed into the mandatory quarantine facility in Punta Gorda, along with her 2 travelling companions who were not infected.

On 19 June, a young asymptomatic female Belizean returning to Belize from Texas on a repatriation flight tested positive upon arrival and was sent to immediate quarantine as per the established protocol.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Belize is part of the ongoing worldwide spread of the virus. The first case in Belize was a woman who had recently returned from a trip to California, USA. The second case was a direct contact of the first. The third case was a traveller returning from New York City, USA. The virus spread in Belize through community transmission and was exacerbated by illegal border crossings and the controlled repatriation of Belizeans who had been locked out of the country when borders closed.

What was the impact of coronavirus on Belize?

The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on Belize, with the first case of COVID-19 being reported on 23 March 2020. The pandemic has resulted in several restrictions and measures being implemented in the country to curb the spread of the virus.

On 25 March 2020, a State of Emergency was declared in San Pedro, with residents of Ambergris Caye being placed under mandatory quarantine. Essential workers were the only ones allowed to traverse the streets, and unauthorised vessels were banned from leaving or arriving on the island. Schools were closed, with a tentative resumption date of 20 April, and public gatherings of more than 25 people were banned. Border restrictions were imposed, with all flights grounded effective 23 March. Only cargo was allowed to cross the borders and dock by sea, while Belizeans were still permitted to return to the country.

The government also advised anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home, self-isolate, and contact the relevant hotline for further guidance. A country-wide curfew was imposed from 8 pm to 5 am, effective from 1 April to 30 April. Foreigners who had recently travelled to specific countries, such as China, Iran, and several European countries, were not allowed to enter Belize. The country's census was postponed to 2021 to divert funding towards the national emergency response.

The pandemic has also impacted the healthcare system in Belize. The vaccination campaign began six weeks after the first vaccine was administered in Central America, and by early June 2021, Belize had administered 18.04 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine per 100 people. The country received donations of vaccines from other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Mexico.

The economic and social impact of the pandemic in Belize is also noteworthy. International tourism was affected, with a phased reopening and resumption of international flights for tourists starting on 15 August 2020. Additionally, Belize experienced an increase in violent incidents against foreign nationals, including home break-ins and physical assaults.

What measures did Belize take to control the spread of coronavirus?

On 23 March 2020, the coronavirus was confirmed to have reached Belize. In response, the Belizean government implemented a series of measures to control the spread of the virus.

Initially, the government focused on restricting travel and enforcing quarantine protocols. All flights were grounded effective 23 March, with only cargo allowed to cross the borders. Belizeans were still permitted to return to the country, but residents were not allowed to leave except in the case of an emergency. Foreigners who had recently travelled to certain countries, such as China, Iran, and European countries, were also barred from entering.

The government also took steps to identify and isolate potential cases. The Ministry of Health announced that it would be tracing anyone who had been in contact with the first confirmed case, a Belizean woman who had returned from Los Angeles. The Minister of Health urged anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to self-isolate and call the hotline for further guidance.

As the situation evolved, more stringent measures were introduced. On 20 March, schools were closed, and public gatherings of more than 25 people were banned. A state of emergency was declared in San Pedro on 25 March, with only essential workers allowed to traverse the streets. A nationwide state of emergency and a curfew from 8 pm to 5 am were announced on 30 March.

To support the national emergency response, Belize postponed its census until 2021 and redirected the funding to emergency efforts. The Queen of Belize also addressed the Commonwealth in a televised broadcast, offering words of comfort and reassurance.

In early April, the government announced that borders would be closed to all travellers, including Belizean nationals, except in emergency situations. The country's vaccination plan was also implemented, with healthcare workers, the elderly, and other high-risk groups prioritised for vaccination.

Belize gradually eased restrictions as the situation improved, with international tourism resuming in a phased manner from 15 August 2020. However, travellers were required to be tested for coronavirus, and those who tested positive were mandated to quarantine for 14 days.

What was the coronavirus vaccination situation in Belize?

Belize's vaccination plan was divided into five phases:

• Healthcare workers, the elderly (60+), persons with disabilities, National Assembly members, and the Judiciary.
• Police, customs officers, immigration officers, tourism workers, teachers, transport workers, and prison guards.
• Belize Defense Force, coast guard, firemen, and utility workers.
• All other public officers.
• All remaining adults.

By early June 2021, Belize had administered 18.04 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine per 100 people, totalling 73,040 doses. By June 2023, this number had increased to 510,770 doses.

Belize has received 67,000 out of 100,800 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine allocated through the COVAX mechanism, a worldwide initiative for equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the country received a donation of 10,000 doses of the Sinopharm BIBP vaccine from the United Arab Emirates. Overall, Belize offers four types of vaccines: Pfizer/Biontech, Johnson & Johnson, Oxford/Astra Zeneca, and Sinopharm.

How did coronavirus affect travel to Belize?

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted travel to Belize, with the country imposing various restrictions and measures to curb the spread of the virus. On March 23, 2020, Belize confirmed its first case of COVID-19, and in response, the government implemented a series of measures to control the outbreak.

Initially, Belize closed its ports of entry, except for the Santa Elena Border and Philip Goldson International Airport, which remained operational. Cargo vessels were permitted to use all ports, while Belizeans were still allowed to return to the country. However, residents were restricted from leaving unless in an emergency. Additionally, all flights were grounded, and only cargo was allowed to cross the borders.

To further contain the spread, a state of emergency was declared across the country on March 30, 2020, accompanied by a nightly curfew from 8 pm to 5 am, effective from April 1 to April 30. Foreigners who had recently travelled to specific countries, such as China, Iran, and several European nations, were denied entry.

The impact of these measures on travel to Belize was significant. International tourism was disrupted, and travellers faced restrictions on their movements and activities within the country. The pandemic also prompted Belize to postpone its census to 2021, redirecting the allocated funds towards addressing the national emergency.

Belize gradually eased restrictions and implemented a phased reopening for international tourism. On August 15, 2020, the country resumed some international flights for tourists, marking the beginning of a cautious return to normalcy in the travel sector. However, all travellers were mandated to undergo COVID-19 testing, and the initial reopening included limited hotel operations and additional restrictions.

As of October 1, 2020, the Belize airport reopened for international travel, signalling a further step towards recovery for the travel industry in the country.

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