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Easter 2020 in Belize

Easter in Belize is usually a chance to enjoy sun, sea, good food, travel, and cool drinks. However, Easter 2020 is one that no one in Belize will soon forget. With the confirmation of the first case of the Corona virus (COVID-19) in Belize in early March, a time that’s usually highly anticipated in Belize quickly became a period of reflection and preparation.

Everyone who’s been in Belize for Easter knows that the months of March and April in Belize are some of the busiest months for the cruise tourism industry and a time enjoyed by everyone with cool sea breezes and lots of travel in-country and to neighboring Mexican provinces. Easter to Belizeans is a welcome break as one of the year’s first extended weekends (usually 4 days long) so most take advantage of the days to travel to remote locations, and with Belize being a majority Christian country, to celebrate the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Belizeans are accustomed to hot cross buns made fresh on Holy Thursday, fried fish on Good Friday, the Cross Country Cycling Classic on Holy Saturday, and Church followed by the distribution of Easter baskets and annual Easter egg hunts on Easter Sunday for the kids.

Though much traveling cannot be done for Easter 2020 and the annual cycling classic along with all other annual events (including physically attending church) have been cancelled, this should be a time of reflection and praise for good health and all the little things we have that so many others around the world do not. Let us be thankful for a peaceful country, food on our table, clothes on our backs, good health, comfort, love, happiness, knowledge, protection, and family.

Let us not forget the reason we celebrate the Lenten season and remember why we are able to look forward to another Easter in Belize. Have a safe and blessed Easter weekend!

Belize Confirms 10th Case of COVID-19

In the wee hours of what would normally be one of the most somber days of the year in Belize, Good Friday, the Ministry of Health confirmed its 10th case of COVID-19 and subsequently reported hours later that Patient #10 has passed away. Along with a summary of events that led to the patient’s death, the Ministry assured the public that a mapping exercise, which includes immediate contacts and health care workers is presently ongoing.

In light of these events, and the possibility of widespread transmission of the virus, the Prime Minister addressed the nation this afternoon and advised that, after consultation with the National Oversight Committee, starting tomorrow, Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. the entire country of Belize will be placed under quarantine. This strict quarantine will last for an initial 14 days and may be extended as necessary as the situation progresses.

This new quarantine period will allow for only procuring of food, medicine, fuel and tending to finances. These essential services will operate during reduced working hours and all public transportation will cease (this includes taxi service). Masks and gloves must now be worn when venturing out to procure essential items while the various essential service providers must provide their staff with these personal protective items.

The mandatory quarantine period has also been extend from 14 to 21 days. This decision comes as a result of follow-up tests done on the first two patients which returned positive results, indicating they have not fully recovered, despite being asymptomatic.

The Prime Minister reminded the public that the unemployment relief program will also be fully functional next week with monies in hand for disbursement. Please be reminded that you can find out more about the program, access the application, or see if you qualify at https://portal.covid19.bz/individual/index.php.

Stay up-to-date with changes and updates to the state of emergency with the Government of Belize Press Office and the Ministry of Health Belize.

We extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of both patients who lost their lives as a result of COVID-19 and send up prayers for our nation during this epidemic. We cannot express how appreciative we are for all our front line workers – doctors, nurses, police officers, soldiers, port personnel, grocery store employees, water suppliers, utility workers, delivery persons, bakers, government employees, media personnel, their families, and all others who risk their lives for the betterment of our beloved country during this very difficult time.

We encourage Belizeans to continue to practice social distancing, wear your masks and gloves when in public, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home unless absolutely necessary, and wash your hands properly! May God bless our nation.

COVID-19 In Belize

On March 22, 2020, Belize registered its first official case of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Since then, the country has performed 390 screening tests of which 381 were negative, 9 persons registered as positive with none fully recovered, and 1 deceased. Though the number may seem minuscule in comparison to other larger countries who have thousands of cases, Belize has taken a proactive approach in trying to keep the virus under control among its population of merely 374,000+ persons.

Although it may seem that these heightened measures may be a little too much too soon, these heightened proactive measures may very well be what’s keeping this little nation’s numbers so low. Since the announcement of the first confirmed case on March 22nd, Belize has implemented many changes ranging from declaring an initial state of emergency for San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to border closures to travelers. With the confirmation of subsequent cases came more stringent measures including a nationwide state of emergency which came into effect on April 1, 2020. This nationwide state of emergency came with its own set of regulations issued by the Quarantine Authority of Belize in accordance with Section 6 of the Quarantine Act, Chapter 41 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011 as enacted by Statutory Instrument number 38 of 2020. Some of the main actions enacted under the regulations are as follows:

  • Countrywide state of emergency declared until April 30, 2020.
  • All borders are closed to incoming and outgoing travelers (including Belizeans) until the state of emergency has been lifted.
  • Social gatherings limited to no more than 10 persons.
  • Any person entering Belize from any border point will be placed in mandatory quarantine at their own expense, up to BZ $110.00 per day for accommodation and meals.
  • Effective March 13, 2020 all cruise ship calls to Belize have been suspended.
  • Social distancing must be practiced during the quarantine period.
  • Although local transport buses may continue to operate, bus owners must keep to the seating capacity of the bus. Once a bus arrives at a terminal all passengers must disembark, and full sanitation of the bus must be done. Before any passenger can board the bus, each passenger must wash and sanitize their hands at the conveniences provided at the terminals.
  • Any business that has not been designated an essential service remains closed until further notice.
  • Essential businesses can only operate between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  • The Cayo District is on a 14-day lock-down effective 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

The Government of Belize has also implemented a COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program in response to the economic effect of COVID-19 under which qualified persons can seek supplemental compensation at a rate of BZ $150.00 every 2 weeks over a 12-week period or BZ $100.00 every 2 weeks over a 12-week period, depending on the category under which a person qualifies. Get more info, access the application or see if you qualify at https://portal.covid19.bz/individual/index.php or read more about the program in the following press release:

Belizeans are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home unless absolutely necessary, and wash your hands properly!

Emergency Repatriation Flight on Thursday, April 16th

In a press release distributed today by the Government of Belize (GOB) Press Office it was stated that the GOB in coordination with the U.S. Embassy is organizing a repatriation flight for persons who may have become displaced in Belize as a result of COVID-19. The flight is being arranged for Thursday, April 16, 2020 from Belize City to Houston, Texas via United Airlines departing Belize City at 12:00 p.m.

Interested travelers must make their own reservations directly with United Airlines at www.united.com. Persons who are currently in Belize and who wish to return to their country of residence must proceed to book their flight with United Airlines and are then asked to complete the Government of Belize Emergency Repatriation Form as soon as your flight is confirmed. One application per traveler is required.

After registration, specific information regarding travel arrangements to the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) will follow in the coming week. For inquiries, please contact +501-614-7582 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and provide your name, telephone number, and/or email address.

All travelers are reminded that they are still required to have valid travel documents and that they are responsible for all expenses incurred with this exercise. Those wishing to be included in this exercise must be cleared by the local Ministry of Health and Immigration Department, and follow outlined transportation procedures. This effort is made in the interest of those who have been displaced as a result of COVID-19 who are well and wish to return home in the interest of Belizeans by minimizing the risk of additional responsibilities on the Belizean health system.

LOTTERY DRAWS SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19

In an effort to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and in accordance with the curfew hours enforced as a result of the Nationwide State of Emergency, kindly make note that all lottery draws across the country of Belize have been suspended until the nationwide state of emergency has been lifted.

Players may contact Brads’s Gaming Company with all queries regarding the lottery draws at +501-223-1219 and to continue utilizing MyBelize.Net for updates.

We encourage you to continue practicing social distancing and utilize telephone and online resources before leaving home.

Thank you for your support and we will keep you posted regarding any changes as the state of emergency progresses.

Travel Destination: Belize, Central America

Welcome to Belize, the country situated in Central America.  The country with the most picturesque scenes of the Caribbean Sea, as well as the most exotic Central American jungles, has a lot to offer to tourists from all around the world. It comes as no surprise that Belize is one of the top touristic destinations in Central America.

You can find many backpackers, honeymooners, and vacationers who all came here to enjoy the beauty of this country. Belize is a small country, so visitors won’t need a lot of time to make the best out of the trip. The country used to be called British Honduras, and the official language in the country is English. What follows are a few suggestions on what you can do while you stay in the country.

Casinos

People who prefer to stay at home can still gamble in the comfort of their own home. Thanks to the online casino sites, it is possible to gamble online. The number of online casino sites is growing every year.

Many sites, including casimba.com, offer special promotions and bonus packages to attract new customers. It doesn’t take more than two clicks to choose from a big variety of online casino games available online. They are not only entertaining pastime but online casino games make it possible to earn some money too.

On the other hand, you can gamble in one of the casinos in this country. Belize is not a top world gambling destination. However, this country has a lot to offer to travelers who want to gamble. The rising number of high-class hotels can increase the number of gambling visitors. Some of the best casinos are the Palace Casino, located on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye. Another one is the Placencia Casino Poker Room, which offers the ultimate gambling experience.

Season

So, when is the best time to visit Belize? From the end of November to the middle of April, the weather is warm and there aren’t many visitors. It’s the best period to enjoy the beauties of this country. Diving enthusiasts can enjoy their experience throughout the whole year because the water is crystal clear.

The rich wildlife of Belize is a paradise for animal lovers. People who are interested in big cats can visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you will find some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country.

Cities

Caracol is one of the largest cities in the country. Back in history, it was a very powerful city. The sightseeing tour shows some of the ancient buildings in the city. The city is full of old walls, reservoirs, and tombs. Sky Palace is the biggest tourist attraction here, which is a 141-foot tall building.

A remaining of the Mayan victims is the Actun Tunichil Muchal Cave. When this site was discovered, it soon became a popular touristic place. Tourists who take the organized city tours will see some horrific images of the victim’s skeletons.

Belize Named One of The Top Five Birding Destinations For 2020

Belize has been named by Forbes magazine as one of the top places in the world for birding in 2020! Our little jewel, as many may know, is teeming with birds of all sizes and colors and it’s a wonderland for the avid birdwatcher.

Much like Belize, places like the Amazon Rainforest, New Zealand, The Galapagos Islands, and The Everglades all have one thing in common – winged beauties flocking the wilderness. There is no better time to highlight these beloved areas, as our environmental climate poses an urgency to care for these majestic creatures and create sanctuaries to ensure their life span across that of our children, their children’s children, and beyond.

Read the entire article here praising our beloved country for its rich beauty and exotic wildlife. We loved it and are sure you will too!

 

 

World Health Organization declares coronavirus a ‘pandemic’

COVID-19, the novel coronavirus first spotted in China, has spread across the globe, infecting people in 114 countries.

The World Health Organization declared the virus a “pandemic” during a news conference in Geneva Wednesday.

Nearly 120,000 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, still mostly on the Chinese mainland, according to data provided by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. But that proportion is shrinking by the day as the epidemic appears to subside in China while case numbers spike elsewhere, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

A teacher walks along a hallway of an empty public school in small Spanish Basque village of Labastida, northern Spain, March 11, 2020. Spain’s health minister on Monday announced a sharp spike in coronavirus cases in and around the national capital, and said all schools in the region, including kindergartens and universities, and the same in the Spanish Basque city of Vitoria, will close for two weeks.A teacher walks along a hallway of an empty public school in small Spanish Basque village of Labastida, northern Spain, March 11, 2020. Spain’s health minister on Monday announced a sharp spike in coronavirus cases in and around the national capital, and said all schools in the region, including kindergartens and universities, and the same in the Spanish Basque city of Vitoria, will close for two weeks. Alvaro Barrientos/AP

Pedestrians pass a cosmetics shop advertising free hand washing facilities in store in Liverpool, England, March 11, 2020.Pedestrians pass a cosmetics shop advertising free hand washing facilities in store in Liverpool, England, March 11, 2020.
Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

The newly identified virus, known officially as COVID-19, has tightened its grip around Italy and Iran, which have the second- and third-highest national totals of confirmed cases behind China, respectively. With 1,037 cases confirmed as of early Wednesday morning, the U.S. now has the eighth-highest.

Belize is yet to be affected by COVID-19 and we urge citizens to be conscious of their personal hygiene and to educate the little ones on the possible spread of germs within the classroom and at home. March is our windy month and with that comes lots of allergens and lots more germs blowing around so proper hand washing, and cough and sneeze etiquette can go a long way.

As we all know, local hospitals in Belize will not be able to house each and every person that may potentially become infected with the COVID-19 virus, so we encourage Belizeans to know their symptoms and to recognize when it may simply be a routine cold or allergy.

Although Belize has no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus, it is always a good idea to be prepared as some necessities may be in short supply very early on into a quarantine situation. Here’s a helpful list of essential supplies you may need as compiled by NBC New York:

The CDC also has great information regarding resources for the home in relation to the COVID-19 virus.

Source: ABC News

 

 

Belikin La Ruta Maya 2020 Belize River Challenge

The Belikin La Ruta Maya is considered one of the longest canoe races in Central America that brings together professional and amateur paddlers from all over the world who take on the four day grueling challenge of paddling 175 miles of the Belize Old River against rapids and winds.

 

Day 1 goes from the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio to Banana Bank

Day 2: Banana Bank Lodge to Double Head Cabbage

Day 3: Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom

Day 4: Burrell Boom to Belize

The Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge is now become a major public and tourist attraction and the first canoes enter Belize City to cheering crowds at about 10:00 am on the last day which coincides with the National Heroes and Benefactors Day; a Public and Bank Holiday.

Paddlers are reminded that the deadline for early registration is end of the business day tomorrow, Friday, February 28, 2020. Have questions? Visit https://larutamaya.bz/registration/

Read more about the race.

Karym Coleman and Bryton Codd Cap Off Dominant Regular Season at Briercrest with Awards!

Karym Coleman and Bryton Codd have just wrapped up their second season for the Briercrest Clippers in the tough Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference, leading their Clippers to a 14-10 record. This has them sitting in 4th place going into the playoffs where they will face the number 1 seed from the North Division, the NAIT Ooks. Although they would certainly loved to have finished with a better record (major team turnover from last season), the boys put on a show all year in route to some eye popping earned All-ACAC and even CCAA recognition!

Bryton shared these words with us on receiving the awards:

“I firstly give God thanks for his continuous guidance, blessings, and protection. Huge Congratulations to our Team for firstly making it to playoffs. Our success is dependent on our entire Teams Performance. Karym and I were recognized as ACAC All Conference Players and we go into playoffs tomorrow with the urgency and intentions to reach Nationals! Karym was also awarded as PLAYER OF THE YEAR; and he was nominated for the CCAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR! We extend our great appreciation to God, Our Family, Our Hardworking Team, Our Amazing Coaches, and all those who support us! The hard work continues. To all our family back home…we truly appreciate the unconditional support; it keeps us grounded!” – Bryton Codd…

Karym, who got off to a late start last season, came out swinging from the jump. He quickly established himself as the best finisher in the ACAC by hammering kills with unbelievable power and speed. He finished as the league leader in points (456), points per set (5.0), kills (397), kills per set (4.36) and 6th in service aces (36).

Bryton, last season’s ACAC South Rookie of the Year, shook off a slow start to pull together another season that will be sure to have him in the eyes of scouts when he’s ready to make the next step. He finished first overall in service aces (60), second in kills (371), points (412) and points per set (4.6).

With the twin towers locked and loaded headed into the playoffs, they will be looking to go on a Cinderella run against some of Canada’s best. It won’t be easy but we know for sure our boys will represent!

#BKVolleyball #BelizeansInCanada #Playoffs #UpsetSeason

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