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A BDF team arrived, safely retrieved the grenade, and transported it to an uninhabited area. It was damaged, and the explosive experts were of the opinion that it would detonate if they tried to travel with it back to their headquarters. So, they triggered the grenade to safely explode without incident.

BMDA Says It's Been Boxed Out

The Belize Medical and Dental Association is speaking out about their COVID-19 concerns; mainly that they've been granted no say in decision making surrounding the pandemic. They say that have tried to speak up and have been victimized because of it.

That claim coming after their representative claims he was locked out of a virtual task force meeting on April 8th.

Now the Doctors and dentists are claiming that everything is micro-managed by a small group of individuals, and they declare that the leaders of this country do not appreciate constructive criticism.

The president didn't want to speak to us today, but the DHS says he has no dispute with BMDA president Dr Jose Moguel:

The BMDA ended its press release by reassuring doctors as well as the public that they are on the public's side, fighting for us and our safety.

The National Lockdown Went Into Effect On Saturday at 8:00

So, as you've seen tonight, there's been a whole lot of news related to the death of patient 10, and the appearance of 9 more positive COVID cases over the long Easter weekend.

And, when patient died early on Good Friday morning, it caused not only grief for his family, and concern verging on panic in the community - it forced government to declare a national lockdown. The rule is that every district would go under the same rules as the Cayo District which was found to have community spread last week:

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"To the maximum extent practicable, we must restrict movement and put a lid on contact. In other words, the time has now come to take the ultimate step for which we have been preparing. I, therefore, after consultation with the National Oversight Committee, announce that starting from tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. the entire country of Belize will be placed under quarantine. This will last for 14 days in the first instance, but may, of course, be extended."

"What we put in place at the time of the Cayo quarantine will now apply countrywide. Accordingly, throughout the nation, we will be strictly confined to the following activities: procuring food and medicine, fuel, and finance. Thus, grocery shops and pharmacies will be open during reduced hours; fuel stations will also operate during reduced hours; and banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions only from 8:00 a.m. to noon."

"Naturally, public bus transportation will cease across the land."

"We are acutely aware of the additional havoc to be wreaked on the economy by this national quarantine. Preserving health and saving lives are the priority, though. We can, and will, later resurrect the economy. But what we are doing now to protect our people cannot wait a moment longer."

PM Placed Under Quarantine Due To COVID 10

And, if you noticed that message form the PM which he delivered on Good Friday, was done in his home with a cell phone. Well, that's because he was also under quarantine due to patient 10. Here's the explanation:

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"I am recording this message from home because my family and I are in isolation. It has turned out that a police officer assigned to our home is a nephew of the deceased. We are not sure if he had recent contact with his uncle. But until his test results come back, isolation is the safest course for all individuals living and working at my residence."

PUP Not Pleased

The Police officer has since tested negative for COVID 19, and this, along with the fact that he was not at that March 14th party seems to have brought the executive quarantine to an end by Sunday.

And the PM will have to come out of quarantine to deal with the Leader of the Opposition which says his party is unhappy with the way things are going on the national task force:

PUP Says Politics Being Played in Relief Food And Supplies

And while the leader of the opposition listed many things that he feels are wrong with the COVID response - one fo them is the politicised distribution of food relief:

Uk Espat Charged For Fake News

And in other news, outspoken activist Jose Luis Espat was charged this weekend with spreading false information.

On Saturday Espat posted on his Facebook page Jose Luis UC Espat saying quote

"I was some days ago sent a message by a BDF soldier but had not gotten confirmation, today another BDF soldier contacted me and confirmed that there was allegedly an initial soldier infected with COVID-19 and then later a further 18 soldiers that were suspected of having Covid-19." He goes on to say that " the initial soldier suspected of Covid-19 died and that 18 more on Isolation."

Police say "The post was re-shared and re-posted by many causing public alarm and leading to Espat's arrest."

Espat later posted in response to his arrest saying quote: " Whenever anyone is charged for false News it is something they don't want known publicly, wise up. They want people to think we are malicious and liad but you all know better. We will fight to the very end." It looks like he's yet to learn his lesson.