7 News Belize

COVID-19 Shutdown, Belize Moves to Close Borders And Airport
posted (March 20, 2020)

And tonight the national response to COVID-19 has taken a much more sharper focus; Belize is isolating itself and closing borders completely.  The COVID-19 National Oversight Committee held its second meeting today and made a bunch of big decisions that are sure to affect every Belizean’s way of life. 

First off, on Saturday at midnight, the Northern Border including the Corozal Free Zone, will be closed to visitors and will remain open only for movement of cargo. 

Only Belizean nationals, residents, and diplomats residing in Belize will be allowed entry into Belize subject to inspection and possible quarantine for 14 days. 

And if you plan to travel into Mexico, you can scratch that: the Northern Border will be closed for nationals and residents wishing to travel outside of Belize except for emergencies.

And, on Monday, the Philip Goldson International Airport will be closed in the evening, after the last scheduled flight departs.  Again, this is only for commercial travel; cargo trucks or cargo planes will still be allowed to fly. 


The next big issue is social groupings.  Those will now be limited to 25 people.   According to a government release, this includes wakes, funerals, weddings, and other social events. But, , quote, “this limit does not apply to places of employment that should have business protocols for social distancing and business continuity plans in place.â€￾

All these measures stand for at least 30 days, and the release adds, quote, “Preventing the virus from entering Belize and practicing self-isolation are the two most important steps that can be taken to avoid community outbreak.â€￾

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