And while police patrols along the Rio Hondo and the northern border are increased, they also have to deploy more officers to population centres which got their first breath of life after a month of soft lockdown.
A countrywide state of emergency was put into effect on April first, and today, the streets got an infusion of life. Jules Vasquez reports:
Downtown Belize City looked alive again this morning - the first day after the most restrictive measures were relaxed.
The hustle and flow of Albert and Regent streets seemed the closest to normal we have seen in weeks.
As drivers, cyclists and riders went about their normal business - the major difference?
Everyone wore a mask and had to line up outside.
In Belmopan, it looked almost like a midday rush at Ring Road's busiest junction
While downtown Orange Walk looked active with the almost regular flow of traffic own the Belize Orange Walk Road - the only thing missing was the famous taco vendors on the street side - in this case the famous Mercy's was closed - the line was for a Moneygram office.
But definitely more people were out on the streets on various missions - which means more work for police:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Yes we know that as with more businesses open that will allow more people to be on the streets because there are now more reasons to be on the streets. But that will not take away the responsibility from us, in that we still need to stop and questioned people as to where is it they are going. From a law enforcement standpoint I must say that it has become more difficult for us because of the amount of persons now on the streets, but we continue to do the best we can with a view to be able to police the situation and ensure that those person who are out maintain social distance and that they are wearing a mask."
And whether this will be the new normal. Or this, the one block wraparound line that we saw at Holy Redeemer on Thursday - police have to be adaptable to ever changing regulations and reality:
Reporter
"How hard is it for you all to enforce daily social living?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"It is hard, it is extremely difficult, but we do our best to enforce it and I believe that under the current situation we are doing well. If the person were ask if we can do better, I always believe that there is room for improvement, so I will say yes."
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