7 News Belize

Guatemalans Continue to Be Repatriated Through Belize
posted (March 20, 2020)

And for many Belizeans - the airport can’t close too soon. And why is that?  Because Guatemalans keep coming through to get back to their own country!  

Guatemala suspended all international flights from March 16 to 30 except for cargo.

And, so, many Guatemalans trying to return home have decided to come through Belize, and head straight to the Western border.  It’s not illegal, since Belize has not banned the arrival of Guatemalans.  

That made big news yesterday - after a taxi driver had to be quarantined.  And, tonight it’s news again after a SILVA’s bus was taken unto the tarmac to whisk off 27 Guatemalans two had arrived on a COPA flight from Panama.  

Now, all things considered, it seems like a better solution than catching a cab outside, but due to the Coronavirus scare, it caused quite an alarm at the airport.  

We understand there was some resistance from the Public Health but Foreign Affairs reportedly facilitated the transit.  All the Belizeans were de-planed first, and then the Guatemalans. There were also four Salvadoreans and four Hondurans.  All left on the bus with masks - including the driver, which went towards the Boom Road and then straight to the Western border.  It arrived there around 5:00 and passed through over to Melchor.  The Belize western border is closed for all persons except Belizeans; but Guatemalan nationals seeking to return to Guatemala are allowed to exit Belize through the Belize western border.

The driver we are told will be self quarantined with follow ups from health officers. 

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