So, returning Belizeans are encouraged to have a PCR test which shows
them as negative for COVID 19 within 72 hours of them travelling. But
how realistic is that? First off, it's hard enough to get a PCR test
done in the states, and those who can get one, will struggle to get it
back in three days. Second, it's only a test of the moment when the
patient took it - they could have contracted the virus after that,
especially when travelling through airports.
We asked about that limitation today:
Jules Vasquez
"The requirement for showing a PCR test within 72 hours of your
travelling, I think we know that PCR tests are not easy to get in the
United States, especially with a 72 hour turn around and second, we
know that a test is only a snapshot of that time, it's a static test,
so, after that test, people go into the most infected and infested,
virus infested cesspools which is airports. We know airports have been
on of the major vectors. So, it that requirement for a test within 72
hours of travel, again, a far less than perfect sample of someone's
health?"
Dr. Marvin Manzanero - Director of Health Services
"It isn't because you are right, the 72 hours before you get here, you
can actually have a potential infection but then that's why we talk
about monitoring and what can be done and you'll be checked on arrival
because there will still a screening on arrival, temperature checks and
situations like that and also I had mentioned tourism will help the
project because the intention is, the hotel should be able to track any
anomaly the person may have. We are still going to be asking people
arriving to wear masks, we're still going to push all the other
preventative measures and as in tandem with the app, the intention is
point of, if you turn out to be ill or turn out to be positive after,
you should be able to track them because it's being able to contain
them to a specific area, that's what we aim for but the PCR tests gives
you an opportunity to screen somebody because of they turn our
positive, they will not be able to board the plane which is not has
been happening before."
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