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Belize remains in active monitoring following international health news about the new strain of coronavirus.  At this time the risk of transmission to the Caribbean is low based on what is presently known said Dr. Joy St. John, the director of the Caribbean Public Health Authority, as he provided opening remarks to countries participating in a virtual meeting to discuss the international outbreak.  Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero attended for Belize’s National Surveillance Team.  No confirmed case of the virus has been reported in the Caribbean or Central America; however, the outbreak is new and situations can change on a day-by-day basis.

Dr. Manzanero emphasized that proper respiratory hygiene such as proper handwashing practice and also proper cough and sneeze etiquette remains the hallmark in addressing all other respiratory infections.â€￾ He also reminds all that there are currently no travel restrictions.

As of January 23rd, worldwide, there have been 571 international confirmed cases of infections by this new strain of coronavirus and 17 deaths reported, all originating from the Hubei Province, China. The illness resembles pneumonia with most patients having a fever and severe non-productive cough. Some have expressed difficulty breathing.  

At this time, the Ministry of Health advises the public to follow its official updates. The Ministry is guided by advisories from CARPHA and PAHO/WHO.  At the conclusion of a WHO Emergency Committee meeting held this afternoon, the newest information is that the outbreak has not been declared as a public health emergency of international concern.