Belize Battles Covid-19: A Look At The Country's Response And Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic in Belize is part of the ongoing global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The first case of COVID-19 in Belize was reported on 23 March 2020, and the country has since experienced several waves of infections. While mask mandates and social gathering restrictions have been lifted, travellers to Belize are still advised to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks associated with the ongoing pandemic.

The first case of COVID-19 in Belize was reported on 23 March 2020

On 23 March 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Belize. The patient was a Belizean woman who had returned to San Pedro Town from Los Angeles, California. In response to this, Prime Minister Dean Barrow declared a State of Emergency for San Pedro on 25 March 2020. Residents of Ambergris Caye were placed under mandatory quarantine, with only essential workers allowed to traverse the streets. The Ministry of Health announced that it was tracing everyone who may have been in contact with the infected woman.

The arrival of COVID-19 in Belize marked the country's involvement in the worldwide pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was first identified as the cause of a respiratory illness cluster in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on 31 December 2019.

In anticipation of the virus's arrival, Belize had implemented several preventive measures. Schools were closed from 20 March, public gatherings of more than 25 people were banned, and border restrictions were imposed. All flights were grounded effective 23 March, with only cargo allowed to cross the borders. Despite these efforts, the virus reached Belize, and the country had to adapt to the new reality of managing the pandemic.

The second case of COVID-19 in Belize was announced on 25 March, with a direct link to the first case. This was followed by a third case on 29 March, involving a traveller returning from New York City. By 13 April, Belize had reported 18 initial domestic cases, with two fatalities. The pandemic in Belize unfolded with further waves of infections and the implementation of various restrictions and protocols to curb the spread of the virus.

The Queen of Belize addressed the nation on 5 April 2020

On 5 April 2020, the Queen of Belize Elizabeth II, addressed the nation in a televised broadcast. At this point, Belize had been in a state of emergency since 30 March, with a curfew in place from 8 pm to 5 am. The country had also closed its borders to all travellers, including Belizean nationals.

In her address, the Queen asked the people of Belize to "take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return". She reassured the nation that "we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again". This message of hope came at a time when the country was facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had been confirmed to have reached Belize just two weeks prior, on 23 March 2020.

The Queen's address was a significant moment in Belize's response to the pandemic. As the head of state and sovereign of Belize, the Queen played an important ceremonial and symbolic role in providing comfort and encouragement to the nation. Her words reminded the people of Belize of the importance of social connections and offered a sense of unity during a difficult time.

The Queen's relationship with Belize was unique, as, although she was the shared monarch of several other Commonwealth nations, her role as Queen of Belize was legally distinct. In all her official duties relating to Belize, she spoke and acted specifically as the Queen of Belize, not as the Queen of the United Kingdom. This distinction highlighted the independent nature of the Belizean monarchy and the special relationship between the country and the Royal Family.

The Queen's address on 5 April 2020 served as a reminder of the enduring connection between the monarch and the people of Belize, offering a message of resilience and hope in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last of the initial 18 domestic cases was reported on 13 April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), reached Belize on 23 March 2020. The virus was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019, and was confirmed as a novel coronavirus by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 12 January 2020.

The first case of COVID-19 in Belize was announced on 23 March 2020, involving a Belizean woman who had returned to San Pedro Town from Los Angeles, California. This was followed by the second case on 25 March, which had immediate contact with the first case. The third case, on 29 March, was a traveller returning from New York City to Belize City.

By 5 April, the Queen of Belize addressed the Commonwealth, asking people to "take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return". At this point, there were already five confirmed cases in the country.

After this initial wave, new cases were reported in June, July, and August, with the total number of confirmed cases reaching 296 by 12 August 2020. The number of active cases continued to fluctuate, with a decline to 634 at the end of September, followed by an increase to 692 at the beginning of October.

Belize has implemented various measures to combat the pandemic, including border restrictions, mandatory quarantine, and a state of emergency with a curfew. The country has also received vaccine donations and is administering vaccinations in five phases, with a focus on healthcare workers, the elderly, and other high-risk groups.

Belize has a phased re-opening plan for international tourism

On June 26, 2020, the Prime Minister of Belize announced a phased re-opening plan for international tourism, with the resumption of some international flights for tourists starting on August 15, 2020. This marked the beginning of the country's third phase of re-opening, allowing for increased travel flexibility and open entry for chartered flights and private aviation. The plan also included a limited re-opening of international leisure travel with approved hotels only.

The phased approach allowed the tourism industry to gradually resume operations, test new entry protocols, and make any necessary adjustments to safeguard the well-being of both Belizeans and visitors. Belize implemented enhanced health and safety protocols for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, creating the "Tourism Gold Standard" Recognition Program. This 9-point program aimed to boost confidence in the cleanliness and safety of Belize's tourism offerings.

Some of the new standards included social distancing and mask-wearing in public spaces, contactless payment systems, hand sanitizing stations, enhanced cleaning measures, and daily health checks for guests and staff. Additionally, designated isolation/quarantine rooms were set up for suspected COVID-19 cases, and tour operators made adjustments to ensure social distancing.

All travellers to Belize were required to follow specific pre-travel arrangements, including downloading the Belize Health App and completing the necessary information before boarding their flight. Passengers were encouraged to take a COVID PCR test within 72 hours of their trip. Those who provided a negative test result could enter Belize immediately through a 'fast track' lane, while those without a negative test had to test upon arrival at their own expense.

The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) also implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols, including barriers between passengers and officials, hand sanitizing stations, floor markers for social distancing, and sanitization of passenger luggage. These measures aimed to provide a safe and healthy environment for travellers as Belize cautiously reopened its doors to international tourism.

The Belize airport reopened for international travel on 1 October 2020

The Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize reopened for international travel on 1 October 2020, signalling the resumption of the country's tourism sector after months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening was part of the country's phased approach to restarting its tourism industry, with the launch of Phase 3 of its five-phase Travel Reopening Plan. This phase allowed for a limited reopening of international leisure travel with approved hotels and tour operators only.

The decision to reopen the airport was made in conjunction with the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow. The airport had been closed to international visitors since late March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The reopening of the airport was a significant milestone in the country's phased approach to restarting its tourism industry.

To ensure the safety of both visitors and employees, the Belize Tourism Board implemented the "Tourism Gold Standard" Recognition Program. This nine-point program enhanced the tourism industry's health and safety standards by introducing new behaviours and procedures. Businesses that met the requirements of the program were certified and promoted as having implemented these enhanced measures with a "Gold Standard Seal of Approval". This seal was visible to guests in various locations, such as tour operator vehicles, vessels, and hotel lobbies.

Hotels that achieved the Tourism Gold Standard were able to provide full service to guests, including round-trip transport from the airport, access to restaurants, pools, beachfronts, onsite activities, and isolated tours. Additionally, these properties implemented social distancing and mask-wearing in public spaces, contactless payment systems, hand sanitizing stations, enhanced cleaning, and daily health checks for guests and employees.

For travellers heading to Belize, there were several requirements and recommendations in place. It was mandatory for travellers to download the Belize Health App and complete the necessary information within 72 hours of their flight. They were also required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of travel and show a negative test result upon arrival. Those who did not provide a negative test result prior to arrival were placed in quarantine at their own expense. It was recommended that travellers frequently check the website belizetourismboard.org for updates on approved properties, as new properties were added daily.

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