7 News Belize

Mask Regulations Super Strict
posted (April 30, 2020)

Another group of rules that the Government is doubling down on is the strict adherence to social distancing. In particular, no person should be out of their houses without a mask, and if you are caught without one, you’re risking a hefty fine or even jail time.  That’s right, masks are not optional!  Here are the Attorney General’s comments on that topic:

Hon. Michael Peyfitte - Attorney General
"No matter what I tell you are the new relaxed rules, social distancing protocols must still be followed. Nothing I tell you allows for social distancing protocol to be violated, except in 2 instances, or let’s just say 3 instances. We saw a picture from Corozal with a bunch of people gathering in a crowd there. That’s illegal. You cannot do that. You still have to maintain social distancing protocols. You must remain 6 feet apart from each person. If I say nothing else, I say this. For the next 2 months, everybody who is in public. If you leave your house, you must leave with a mask on. You will not be allowed to be on the street or walk into any approved business if you don’t have a mask on. So, if you don’t have your mask on, and you’re on the street, you’ll be committing an offense. Ladies, because we’re freeing it up a little bit more, it is now a requirement for every soul in this country. When you leave your house, you must, wear a mask. Listen, just always wear a mask. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, wear a mask."

Dorian Pakeman - Director, Government Press Office
"What is the penalty for not wearing a mask in public?"

Hon. Michael Peyrefitte
"$5,000 or 2 years in jail."

Dorian Pakeman
"Oh, so it’s the same penalty as breaking curfew?"

Hon. Michael Peyrefitte
"It’s the same penalty. If you’re caught without a mask, the penalty is $5,000 or 2 years in Jail."

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