The Belize government Thursday announced no movement days as well as a country-wide curfew from Monday next week, as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country recorded 385 deaths and 18, 143 infections linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement issued after the weekly Cabinet meeting said that the curfew would remain in effect for the next two weeks and the authorities appealed to nationals to get vaccinated in a bid to stem the spread of the virus.
According to the statement, as of September 14, a total of 176,242 persons or 40 per cent of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, representing an increase of 3,165 new vaccinations over last week’s numbers.
“As of 14th September 2021, 81,229 persons or 18.8 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated, an increase of 4,950 over last week’s 74,874. Since the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccines, 17,172 Belizeans between the ages of 12 and 17 years have received their first shot of the vaccine,” the statement said.
The government said that the curfew would go into effect from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 am (local time) daily except for San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and Hopkins, where the curfew will remain 9:00 pm to 4:00 am.
It said restaurants will only be able to provide takeout service, except for restaurants in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and Hopkins and that casinos and churches are to be closed.
The authorities said that no form of contact sports is allowed and that Sunday, September 26th and Sunday, October 3, “will be declared no movement days except for medical attention, to purchase medication, groceries or fuel”.
The statement said Cabinet also approved the reduction of fees and waiver of overdue fees for persons requiring visa extensions to remain in Belize, and who could not remain current due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Cabinet strongly urges the public to wear masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands regularly, and for those not fully vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccinations save lives,” the statement added.