A Public Caution on Private COVID Tests

If you see an ad offering COVID 19 Test Kits for sale, don't buy it. That's what the Minister of Health is advising. A late evening release says it "has become aware of individuals and companies advertising that they perform PCR testing or rapid testing for COVID-19. The Ministry is also aware that some entities are offering the service of facilitating the importation of COVID-19 test kits for purchase in Belize."

Well, the Ministry issued a statement to confirm that, first, Customs will not allow the clearance of any SARS-Cov2 test kit without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. And, second, that the Ministry remains the only authorized and legal entity in Belize authorised to import materials for PCR and rapid testing for COVID-19 in Belize. The Ministry is also the only entity that is authorized to conduct PCR testing through the Central Medical Laboratory in Belize City.

They say that if test kits are still being imported, those persons run the risk of having the items confiscated.

Finally, the release says, " The public is advised to be aware of anyone making claims to conduct any type of testing for COVID-19."

Fire Scare Near Ladyville Gas Station

And, finally tonight, there was a real scare in Ladyville today, as this van burst into flames near Sky Supermarket at the airport junction in Ladyville.

These images from social media show that it was shooting flames right in front of the Sky City restaurant - and not far from the gas station. Fortunately a fire truck pulled up, and put out the flames before the vehicle could combust or catch unto anything else.