News and Facts

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  NEWS: As the global death toll from the coronavirus exceeds 14,000, Belize's Ministry of Health has implemented several regulations with the promise to constantly update and modify as the need requires:
 The international airport is closing down for passenger planes this coming week. Only cargo planes are allowed. 
  The terrestrial borders have all been shut down; only cargo trucks allowed. 
  Gatherings of more than 25 people are forbidden. 
  Strict social distancing is strongly advised. 
  There was more on the list but these were at the top. Each major town is implementing its own regulations, with some towns ordering the closure of bars, casinos, and restaurants. The tourism department is by far the hardest hit as resorts, hotels and lodges have shut down country wide. All schools, private and public, were ordered shut down on Friday, March 20th. Quarantine orders are in effect for residents returning home from abroad. More and more businesses are setting up running water systems and soap at their doors and advising customers to wash hands before entering and after exiting. Company employees as well as customers are now walking around with masks and gloves. There has also been a mad scramble for basic items such as toilet paper, rice, sugar and flour. Actually, supermarkets have begun rationing the flour with each store setting its limit of flour per customer.
  FACTS: Belize's 1st virus case was confirmed today and is being watched and isolated. There are no plans or intentions to stop the import of food and medical supplies. Grocery stores are NOT demanded to close. Social Security will not pay laid off workers unless they prove that they are sick. (This might change yet.)
 RUMORS: A Mennonite from Spanish Lookout caught the virus. False. All Mennonite businesses are shutting down. False. (Eating establishments will look for other ways of serving food but it is doubtful if they will completely close down.) Busses will stop running. Perhaps. Coronavirus "officials" are going door to door checking citizens. False.
  It is a time of uncertainty and panic as the virus steadily advances. Yet, the certain thing is that death is not at the hands of the virus. Death is in the hands of Almighty God. He alone controls and measures our time on this earth.

                                        A. Mendoza

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