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Belize continues to remain free of the Coronavirus tonight - while it has been confirmed in 127 countries, Belize is one of about 68 nations that have no positive tests.  

That’s the same situation with our Central American neighbours, El Salvador and Guatemala: no positive tests: but they have both enacted stringent restrictions on travel into the country - putting up a travel ban on countries and continents where the virus has appeared.

So, what will Belize do - and what will nit not do yet? Well it won’t put up a blanket ban. The Prime Minister announced the plan and the precautions at a press conference this afternoon at the Biltmore.

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister
"Decisions have to be taken on the following: Whether or not to allow cruise ships to enter; Whether or not to disallow large gatherings; Whether or not to close schools; Whether or not to ban air travel; Whether or not to restrict freedom of entry at our land borders; These are not easy decisions to make given the obvious and astronomical impact they would have on us and the economy, especially tourism. But nothing is more important than preserving the health of our people; nothing is more important than saving Belizean lives. I did not want to announce any such decision today without putting our country, as well as those that visit and service Belize, on notice. But I advise now that immediately after this press conference I will be meeting with the health team and speaking to the Leader of the Opposition. I will, of course, also be talking to tourism and business stakeholders. Shortly thereafter I would expect to announce when, not if, any or all of the cited measures will go into effect. Meantime, we want immediately to discourage all non-essential travel and prescribe the start of social distancing. In times such as now, it is together, therefore, that we face this crisis; it is together that we will address this crisis; and it is together that we will overcome this crisis."