Phase 2C Now Open!
Calling all in the Tourism Sector 40 years and up!

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Tourism sector members 40+ now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, and as of Wednesday, March 31st, Phase 2C is open, and members of the tourism sector ages 40+ are asked to get vaccinated. The authorities in the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) still urge persons ages 60+ who have not registered for the vaccine to do so. In San Pedro Town, residents can be registered to get the vaccine by accessing the online google form by following this link - https://bit.ly/39wbB4i

The vaccine program began with health care workers, persons 60+, persons with special conditions. It then moved to teachers, police officers, and members of the National Assembly, Judiciary System, Customs and Immigration. While the campaign went well in the above-mentioned groups, the amount of persons 60+ has been low. People are asked to check on their neighbors and assist them if necessary to register. The San Pedro Town Council has been encouraging islanders to get vaccinated. To help those falling behind, Councilor Marina Kay encourages residents 60+ to call 226-2936/226-2198 for assistance with registration and getting to the clinic.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

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Vaccination Of The Belize Tourism Sector Has Commenced

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has confirmed that the vaccination of the tourism sector began on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. This is the second phase of the National Covid-19 Immunization campaign, which also includes members of the National Assembly & Judiciary, teachers, police officers, and the staff of the Customs and Immigration departments.

Recently, the Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations and the BTB conducted a survey among industry stakeholders to determine the number of persons inclined to accept the vaccine. 87% of the respondents stated that they were interested in taking the vaccine.

Dr. Natalia Largaespada Beer, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, informed the BTB that 8,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are being made available for the tourism sector and the campaign will initially target frontline workers considered to be at high risk. For this reason, those that are 40 years and older will receive the first dose of the AstraZeneca Vaccine. The second dose is scheduled to be administered in 12 weeks' time.

"The availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for those working in the tourism sector is welcomed news. The vaccination of frontline tourism workers; the reduction in active COVID-19 cases; the receipt of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp; and the ongoing implementation of the Gold Standard Certification program will convey to the world that Belize is a safe destination. This will assist us in our efforts to boost traveller confidence and attract visitors to Belize," said Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations.

According to Dr. Beer so far 21,000 Belizeans have received the first dose of the vaccine. She said that today the Ministry of Health and Wellness will receive 33,600 new doses of the vaccine as part of the COVAX programme, a global initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines led by UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and others. Additional doses of the vaccine will be received in the coming weeks.

For questions or concerns, kindly contact the Belize Tourism Board at [email protected].