Meanwhile all mass public gatherings are being discouraged and public
events have also been put on hold. According to Edwards for the next six weeks
there should not be any mass gatherings. So if you are planning such an event
you are encouraged to hold off on the activity for the moment.
Dr. Paul Edwards,
“Based on past experiences of influenza pandemic when we look at 1957
to 1968, there was a first wave of six weeks. So we’re saying to the very
public: if there is any plans that you have, kindly hold off, kindly postpone.
Our declaration yesterday was based on major public gatherings. And we talk
about major specifically we make reference to the opportunity whereby participants
will come from across the country and then will go back as well as the possibility
exists for invited guests to come from areas where there are confirmed cases.”
Dr. Michael Pitts,
“In terms of public transportation, it works two ways. Public transportation
is really the means by which people can get around and access different things,
access clinics, access pharmacies and so on. What we are suggesting to the people
who travel or to the people who run these buses, let’s be sensible. For
the population, if you don’t have to move, don’t move. If you’re
moving because you have to get a healthcare facility then put on the mask. So
that means if you are on a bus with the cough and cold we expect you to cover
and protect your citizen that sits beside you. But the public transportation
is the vehicle to help people access healthcare. If we shut that down then you
may save somebody in Jalacte who has no access to the hospital in PG.”
This evening at six the Belizean health officials met with their counterparts
from the neighbouring Mexican state of Quintana Roo to discuss how both countries
can work together to protect their citizens. One of the issues that will be
discussed is the request from the Mexican officials to temporarily close the
Corozal Free Zone.
Dr. Michael Pitts,
“What is very important right now and what we’ve been saying
is parents should not send any child that presents any signs of symptoms compatible
with the flu. Our number one recommendation is go see your healthcare provider
and go back and stay home. However there is also a responsibility on the teachers.
If there is a child who presents, make contact with the parents so that child
could go at home. That is what we are recommending up to now.”
As part of the Ministry of Health’s plan of action to enhance
public awareness, the Ministry of Health has established a hotline where you
can call to ask any questions you may have on what is happening in Belize pertaining
to the swine flu and what the public can do to protect themselves. The hotline
number is 629 -5604. It is managed by nurse Augustina Elijio. Today Elijio told
the press that they have been very busy and it is clear that Belizeans are concerned
and anxious. That hotline number once again is 629 – 5604.
Belizeans are not taking any chances. There are reports that hand sanitizers
including masks and gloves are in high demand and stores across the country
have been running out of supplies. And while the sales may be good for business
the Director of Health Services Dr. Michael Pitts advises storeowners not to
take advantage of the situation and increase prices.
Dr. Michael Pitts,
“We have identified the issue and yesterday in our meeting with the
representative from NEMO, we brought that up and we asked that they interact
with Bureau of Standards, price control to see what they can do. So for the
merchants, and I am appealing to them, let’s be fair and sensible with
how we deal with resources that people need to help them deal with this crisis.
It is one thing to have anxiety for the disease. There is another thing to add
on a financial situation for people. So we have to balance these things.”
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