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Tonight, there is still no confirmed presence of COVID 19 in Belize - but preparations for the virus have stepped up sharply.  

This morning the COVID-19 National Oversight Committee co-chaired by the Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the Leader of the Opposition John Briceno met at the Laing building in Belize city.

At 3:00 pm at the Biltmore, both leaders held a press conference, their first joint press conference ever - and this, on the most critical national issue.  

Briceno started by outlining the decisions made regarding Health And Social life in Belize:

Hon. Johnny Briceno - Leader of the Opposition 

"Number 1 the postponement on the SIB census until next year, and use some of the sources already allocated for the census to collect data associated with COVID-19,

2. all schools will be closed effective Friday march 20th for fourteen days which will lead right into the Easter break, this is being done with a view to make up for the school days within the current school year depending on how the situation evolves. A. It is stressed that this is not a vacation. B. Parents and students alike must follow the government's advisories for social distancing and good hygiene practices.

3. It was agreed to limit all social gatherings to no more than 100 people, these include indoor and outdoor gatherings and events.

4. At present Belize is prohibiting entry into Belize by nationals of the following countries and persons who have traveled within the last 30 days from China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, South Korea, and Europe including the United Kingdom. This restricted travel list of countries will be considerably monitored and updated as necessary.

5. Today it was agreed to close all borders of entry in Belize for passengers and only leave the northern border and the PGIA open so all other points of entry the western, southern and any other small border points will be closed. This does not apply to cargo vessels."