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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.
The San Pedro Sun
Island authorities make arrangements to return mainland residents back home
A large number of people confined to the island since March 23rd following the first confirmed COVID-19 (Coronavirus) case lined up by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) on Barrier Reef Drive on Wednesday, April 1st. This was an attempt to join a list of persons who will be transported to the mainland on Saturday, April 4th. Many of the applicants were trapped on the island when a state of emergency was declared over a week ago, and no one was allowed to leave.
Three island residents charged for breaching quarantine curfew
As the entire nation heads into a state of emergency for 30 days, with a strict curfew to further avoid any possible spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), San Pedro Town continues on a mandatory quarantine, which demands islanders to stay at home, particularly after dark. The penalty for breaching this order of the quarantine saw three islanders charged with ‘Breach of Curfew Conditions’ after their children were out after 6PM. They were each fined $500 plus $5 in court costs, and were ordered to pay before March 31, 2021, or face one month’s imprisonment.
BTB offers Hoteliers COVID19 Tax Relief for the month of March
• Hoteliers are being asked to submit their Monthly Accommodation Tax Returns (MATRs) and Guest Registration Forms (GRFs) for March via the BTB Online Portal. • The BTB will automatically apply 100% tax credit for the total taxes assessed for the month of March, essentially resulting in Nil Accommodation Tax Due.
Returning to Mainland Homes from San Pedro
People are lining up at the San Pedro Town Council as they attempt to return to their communities of origin on the mainland.
Persons needing to leave the island are asked to provide the San Pedro Town Council with their information. After reviewed you will be contacted and advised about a vessel that is expected to be transporting people to the mainland on Saturday, April 4th.
Precautionary Measures for Preventing and Slowing the Transmission of COVID-19: G.O.B. Declaration of National State of Emergency
In conformity with the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and guided by the declared National State of Emergency and the Ministry of Health advisories, the public is hereby informed that the Fisheries Department’s Offices (Belize City and Punta Gorda) will be closed to the public effective April 02, 2020 until further notice.
Fishermen are informed that fishing activities will be permitted outside of the declared curfew hours (8:00 PM to 5:00 AM). The public is also informed that the marine reserves will be closed to visitation until further notice.
The public is encouraged to submit their queries online via our email addresses for the following services:
Hope Haven and Casa Nova Cabañas team up to supply San Pedro Town residents with potable water
The pandemic COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to affect islanders who are now unemployed and without essentials, such as water. Since Saturday, March 28th, over 300 gallons of potable water have been distributed to residents of San Pedro Town. The first beneficiaries were some of the residents from the San Mateo Area, and since then, the project has visited other areas of the island to supply the vital liquid. The project is possible thanks to Hope Haven (San Pedro Town’s Children Home), who provided Rotoplas tanks that were filled with water by Casa Nova Cabañas, a Bed & Breakfast in the Secret Beach area of northern Ambergris Caye.
Ambergris Today
PIC OF THE WEEK: Beautiful Gathering Of Spotted Eagle Rays On Ambergris Caye
Did you know a group of rays is called a 'fever'? Well, here is a large gathering of Spotted Eagle Rays near docks on Ambergris Caye. Now that the waterways around San Pedro are very quiet, the sea creatures of the coral reef are venturing closer to the shores and around the many docks. Here is a picture which Trent Turley took and shares with us. WOW!
San Pedro Town Council Says Restrictions For Ambergris Caye Remain The Same
The San Pedro Town Council's Press Release states that the regulations that were made on its previous Press Release from March 25, 2020 by Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and the San Pedro’s EOC committee on the advice from the Ministry of Health, in order to accommodate the needs of the residents STILL REMAIN IN ORDER. These are in addition to the regulations set by the Goverment of Belize for the State of Emergency for the Enitre Country.
Various Belizean Sources
BELIZE CONSTITUTION (EMERGENCY POWERS) REGULATIONS, 2020
ENTIRE COUNTRY UNDER STATE OF EMERGENCY
On Tuesday March 31st, 2020, the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the Leader of the Opposition held a press conference on update of the COVID-19 status of Belize and its measurements to ensure the safety of all the citizens of the country. In the press conference, the Prime Minister, announced a State of Emergency for the entire country; however, Ambergris Caye is in its own State of Emergency with additional regulations from that of the entire country’s one.
The following regulations will be enforced according to the Country’s State of Emergency:
Country State of Emergency goes into effect Thursday at 12:00 a.m.
A curfew will be implemented from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Everything MUST be closed. No one will be allowed to be on the streets.
No loitering, wandering, assembling or moving at any public place or any public roads...
The 1918 Spanish Influenza in British Honduras
Take note of the report from Belize which states that the men who were not showing symptoms were not quarantined and therefore passed it onto their families. THIS is exactly why individuals coming into the country were asked to self isolate!
Select documents from the Minute Paper Collection (Colonial Secretary Office Files) which gives insight into the how the 1918 Influenza was imported into the country, its symptoms, measures taken by the colonial government and statistics from the districts.
TROPIC AIR AMENDS CARGO SCHEDULE. PASSENGER SERVICES TO BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DUE TO STATE OF EMERGENCY
Due to the National State of Emergency brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, effective tomorrow, April 2, Tropic Air will be temporarily suspending all passenger flights. The last flights are currently scheduled for today, Wednesday, April 1. We anticipate this suspension to last for a period of 30 days.
Cargo flights will continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between Belize City Municipal, San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Corozal only. The operational days and hours for the stations to receive and distribute cargo for these flights is shared below. Cargo flights to/from Orange Walk, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and Placencia are suspended until further notice.
NOTICE TO PUBLIC OFFICERS: Teletherapy Service
The COVID-19 pandemic may begin to affect our collective welfare triggering an increase in work-related stress, personal lives, anxiety/nervousness, financial management and depression. To assist public officers during this time, the Ministry of Public Service is offering teletherapy through its Employee Assistance Program.
Procedure to Manage Respiratory Illnesses in the Belize District
Effective immediately, ALL patients with respiratory illnesses such as cough, cold, fever, sneezing body aches and pains should no longer go into their regular health facility.
The procedures are as follows:
1. Please call ahead to your respective clinic to discuss your case with the triage nurse.
2. Please inform the doctor and nurse of the following:
a. Have you traveled outside of Belize in the last 30 days?
b. Have you been in contact with someone who traveled outside Belize in the last 30 days?
Precautionary Measures for Preventing and Slowing the Transmission of COVID-19 from the Fisheries Department
Notice from The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry would like to notify the public that our western Union agent locations will remain open with certain restrictions. We also want our customers to know that you can use Direct to Bank service to SEND money directly to a bank account and our Air App service to make your transaction faster and easier. For more information call us at 223-5080, 223-5330 or WhatsApp 614-3138. Western Union hours & locations.
COVID-19 - SALE OF MEDICATIONS
We had previously noted that there are no specific medications for COVID-19, that recommendation still stands!
We are also getting reports on persons now procuring from certain pharmacies, two medications: hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin; both medications CAN AND SHOULD ONLY BE SOLD with a prescription.
Both medications when used inadequately can have serious side effects so they should not be used by the population UNLESS approved and authorized by your treating doctor.
Precautionary Measures for COVID-19 from the Office of the Supervisor of Insurance & Private Pensions
In conformity with national efforts to contain the COVID 19 pandemic and guided by the declared National State of Emergency and the Ministry of Health advisories, the General Public is hereby informed that the Office of the Supervisor of Insurance and Private Pension (OSIPP) will be closed as of 2nd April 2020 until further notice.
OSIPP will continue to provide services to the General Public, where possible, via online correspondence.
Precautionary Measures for Preventing and Slowing the Transmission of COVID-19 from the Fisheries Department
In conformity with the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and guided by the declared National State of Emergency and the Ministry of Health advisories, the public is hereby informed that the Fisheries Department's Offices (Belize City and Punta Gorda) will be closed to the public effective April 02, 2020 until further notice.
Fishermen are informed that fishing activities will be permitted outside of the declared curfew hours (8:00 PM to 5:00 AM). The public is also informed that the marine reserves will be closed to visitation until further notice.
Precautionary Measures for Preventing and Slowing the Transmission of COVID-19 from the Department of the Environment
Recognizing that some persons carrying the COVID-19 virus may not be presenting symptoms, the Department of the Environment (DOE) is taking the following preventative measures to protect its personnel and the community from getting and fostering the accelerated spreading of COVID-19. While basing its response in line with the Declaration of National State of Emergency and Ministry of Health advisories, the DOE is taking preventative steps to limit exposure to its staff while keeping continued services to the public.
UK: Foreign travel advicefor Belize
As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available. Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving.
The Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development hereby provides contact information for Labour Technical Officers and Frequently Asked Questions
Kindly click the link below for access to the Statutory Instrument and Labour Act referenced in the FAQ.
https://bit.ly/2URNRzz
Precautionary Measures for Preventing and Slowing
the Transmission of COVID-19 – Notice to Customers from the Forestry Department
The Forest Department joins the country of Belize in monitoring the evolving situation as it relates to the Corona (COVID 19) Pandemic. In response to the declaration of the National State of Emergency and the advisories of the Ministry of Health, the Forest Department has activated its response plan which focuses on safeguarding the health and wellbeing of its staff, their families and the public while remaining operational remotely.
The Forest Department offices countrywide will be closed to the public but will continue to provide online services only, effective April 2 2020 (until further notice)
Forest Department has put in place the following measures to be implemented with immediate effect.
Fishing activities are still PROHIBITED in Ambergris Caye
Violators will be arrested as mentioned in our Press Release from March 25, 2020 (see attached).
Please adhere to these measurements as it is implemented for the safety of all residents.
Registration for "Stranded" Visitors to San Pedro to Return Home
Persons that were conducting business or visiting San Pedro Town and were stranded on the island after the lockdown was announced, can register at the office of the San Pedro Town Council to make arrangements for your return home.
Thursday and Friday only.
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
*Must bring a form of Identification.
Covid-19 cases in Belize remain at 3 out of 115 tests
Have a blessed evening my fellow Belizeans, informing you all that our Central Medical Laboratory performed 12 tests today and all came out negative to COVID-19, a total of 115 tests have been done and we remain with 3 COVID-19 positive cases.
As posted on our Ministry of Health Facebook Page, we have the PPEs and masks required for our staff and at the moment we are procuring more.
Passes for Operation during COVID-19 State of Emergency Curfew Hours
Beginning April 2nd, 2020, the Government of Belize will implement a nationwide state of emergency which will restrict the movement of essential workers within 8:00 p.m. to 4:59 a.m.
Therefore, authorized essential workers. as outlined in Schedule 1 of SI No. 46 of 2020, who are required to work and move without restrictions during the curfew hours will be allowed to move freely at any place or any time while observing social distancing protocols, with a pass authorized and signed by the Minister of National Security.
Update re: immigration stamps/extensions
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and Immigration hereby notifies the public, and especially visitors holding temporary immigration status through visitors' extensions and permits, that the issuance of extensions is suspended until further notice due to the current restrictions on movement as a result of COVID-
19.
Persons are reminded that this measure is being taken, not as a write-off or forgiveness of required fees, but to assist in ensuring the safety of immigration officers as well as visitors, while also encouraging observance of the restrictions of the state of emergency.
Public Transportation Bus Schedule for the Country of Belize effective 2nd April, 2020
The COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program
The co-chairs of the COVID-19 National Oversight Committee, the Rt Hon. Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, agreed on March 16, 2020, to establish the Economic Oversight Team (EOT) comprising Dr. Carla Barnett and Mr. Christopher Coye, to, among other things, oversee the establishment and operationalization of the Unemployment Relief Program.
The program will offer financial assistance to meet the needs of workers who, having been terminated or laid off, cannot earn all of their work income and are not eligible for another financial assistance program.
Precautionary Measures for Preventing and Slowing the Transmission of COVID-19
Recognizing that some persons carrying the COVID-19 virus may not be presenting symptoms, the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development is taking the following preventative measures to protect its personnel and the community from getting and fostering the accelerated spreading of COVID-19. While basing its response in line with the Declaration of National State of Emergency and Ministry of Health advisories, the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development is taking preventative steps to limit exposure to its staff while keeping continued services to the public.
Notice from Atlantic Bank
Dear Valued Customers,
In light of Covid-19 and the country's nationwide State of Emergency we would like to assure our customers that we will continue to provide essential banking services.
With ensuring the health and safety of our customers, staff and communities we have adjusted our opening hours, starting on Thursday April 2nd, 2020: • All branches except our Ladyville branch will be opened from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. • Ladyville branch will be opened from 9:00 AM — 12:00 PM. • Drive thrus will be opened from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. • All branches and drive thrus will be closed on Saturdays.
Corozal Revenue Dept Notice
THE COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL'S REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL NO LONGER HAVE THEIR DOORS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BUT WILL BE AVAILABLE VIA ONLINE.
ONLINE WORKING POLICY
1. The Corozal Town Council will be accepting online payments for Property Tax, Trade License, Commercial Garbage, Banners and Billboards, Market Rental and Cemetery Fees.
Banking information is as follows:
2. Payment Slips must be sent to the Following Contact Information: Email Address: revenue.czltc.bzPgmail.com — Eleazar N. Tobar 3. Receipts will be forwarded after Payment slips are received. 4. This Contact will also be available for any queries or concerns regarding Property Tax, Trade License, Commercial Garbage, Banners and Billboards, Market Rental and Cem-etery Fees.
BEL Office Opening Hours Effective April 1, 2020
The National Institute of Culture and History suspends access and services to the General Public
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) in recognition of the evolving situation relating to the Corona (COVID-19) Pandemic, the recent declaration of the National State of Emergency, and the advisories of the Ministry of Health, has activated its response plan which focuses on safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the Belizean public, our staff, and their families.
THE DAY SAN IGNACIO AND SANTA ELENA STOOD STILL.
April 1st, 2020
Unbelievable, but true. - by Ripley.
I have locked myself for several days now.- WHY ? - for my good and that of my beloved Wife, my Family, my Friends and my Country.
We are experiencing what we never imagine would ever happen. Every thing is standing STILL.
As I have stated previously, our traditional way of WORSHIPING has been abruptly STOPPED.
Our very freedoms as citizens, have been curtailed under threats of STATE punishment, for our own good.
I decided this afternoon to go down to see my TWIN Towns, as I have known it for some 80 years.
WOW, Dead as a cemetery can be. - Columbus Park not a soul.
San Pedro Tourist Guide Association
IMPORTANT NOTICE
To all tour guides,
Please be patient and wait for the financial assistance process to go through. On Friday April 3rd, 2020 the form will be available on the SSB website.
This form can be filled in online. If you don't have online access you can pick up the applications at the SSB office Friday afternoon. The completed form will then be vetted. This takes about a week. Your financial assistance will be deposited into your bank account. If you don't have account then you can pick it up at the treasury department.
Home care for people with suspicion or confirmation of COVID-19
Take care of yourself and your family. For the sick people
1.- If you have a fever and cough
wash your hands with water and soap or alcohol based soap.
2.- Stay home, don't go to work, school or public spaces.
Rest, drink lots of liquids and eat healthy foods.
3.- Stay in a separate room from your family members, but if this is not possible, use a mouths cover
and keep a distance of approximately 1 meter from other people. Keep the room well ventilated and use a private bathroom if possible...
NOTICE: Precautionary Measures to Slow the Transmission of COVID-19 | Statistical Institute of Belize
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) advises its clients, stakeholders, and the general public that effective Thursday, April 2nd, 2020, its offices will not be open to the public. This is being done as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our staff and valued clients.
In keeping with social distancing requirements, data collection exercises that involve face-to-face interviews are temporarily suspended until it is deemed safe to resume such activities. Nonetheless, the work of the SIB will carry on, with staff working from home until further notice.
Channel 7
Regulations Released For National State Of Emergency
Belize goes into a 30 day nation-wide state of emergency at midnight
tonight - and for a very large part of the population that means one
month of lockdown.
The State of Emergency and curfew has been declared to stop the spread
of the coronavirus. The Proclamation Declaring a Sate of Public
Emergency has been signed by the Governor General, and he also signed
the regulations which were circulated this evening.
Here - in a nutshell is what they say. First off, there's a curfew from
8:00 pm to 5:00 am daily. And while there is no curfew during the day,
you can only move for the following reasons:
State of Emergency Means No Leisure Movement
And cooperating means not engaging in any recreational or leisure
movement: whether it's taking a walk, or going to a friend's house.
Commissioner Williams says it starts with no inter district travel:
Jules Vasquez:
"How will you all treat inter-district travel as the Easter holiday
approach?"
Will Police Play By The Rules
Now, as we said, police are given broad powers during this time. But,
it's not exactly like the Southside state of emergency where you can be
locked up for weeks before seeing a judge.
The enemy this time isn't the criminal element; it's a virus and
Commissioner Williams outlined the rules of engagement for police:
Attorney Saldivar Got Bail For a Firearm Offence?
Last night, we told you about the latest developments in the police
detention of attorney Arthur Saldivar. He's already facing a criminal
charge for allegedly spreading fake news, and tonight, he out on bail
for firearms charges because according to police, they found unlicensed
guns, ammunition and a bulletproof vest at his family home in Camalote
Village.
Slipping In Through The Sarstoon?
Belize's borders are all closed as part of the national effort to
minimise the exposure of citizens to the coronavirus. But, that didn't
stop a vessel with 2 Guatemalans and a Belizean National from trying to
enter the country illegally through the Sarstoon River today.
We are reliably informed that the Belize Coast Guard was contacted this
afternoon by BDF soldiers who are stationed the Sarstoon Forward
Operating Base. Those soldiers reported that an unknown vessel was
heading in the direction of the Coast Guard's Barranco patrol. The BDF
intercepted the vessel and escorted it and those on board to the Coast
Guard.
A Portal For Paying Tax
Submissions for accommodation tax returns should be made via the BTB's
online portal. Use of the portal is encouraged during this time of
social distancing. And in more of our conversation with Tejada, he told
us that the BTB is trying to reach a digital age in which it will be
relatively quick and easy to know hotel occupancy levels and
forthcoming hotel taxes.
Ted Tejada - President, Belize Hotel Association:
"The portal is something that each hotel has to report all their hotel
guests checking into the hotels on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis..."
The Hospitality Census
One giant leap toward that digital age may have come through the census
carried out by the BTB earlier this month. It yielded some interesting
results and Tejada told us that the overarching desire of all hoteliers
at this time was to support as much of their staff as possible.
Ted Tejada - President, Belize Hotel Association:
"The Belize hotel association ended up calling about 900 hotels out of
900 we got responses from 70% of the hotels. At that point in time, we
found out that in terms of a global the way the standard is for every
room that a hotel has they normally employ one employee. So we know
that the country of Belize has a little bit over 9000 rooms available
every single day..."
What Was Pre-Curfew Shopping Rush Like?
Have you done your state of Emergency shopping? Today was the last day
to move freely without a curfew hanging over your head.
Now, don't get it wrong, grocery stores will be open during the state
of emergency, butidle shopping around will not be encouraged.
And while empty store shelves and toilet paper shortages have become
the norm in international news clips, you might be wondering how the
COVID-19 crisis will affect your local grocer.
Ask the Experts About Social Security
Ask The Experts, it's a webcast hosted by the Government Press Office
to provide accurate information about Belize's national COVID-19
response. In the last 3 weeks, this Facebook broadcast has become one
of the Government's main communication tools.
Today's featured experts were representatives of the Social Security
Board and the Labour Department, and Belizeans got to ask them about
what to expect when it comes to the sudden unemployment of thousands of
Belizeans.
How To Get Those COVID Benefits
Social Security is also providing the public with 2 options to make
claims for their benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of them is
electronic, and the other is the old analog system that will be a bit
challenging, due to health risks to social security employees.
Nisbet-Cansino discussed both options, and she also shared why SSB is
hoping that most of your benefits claims will arrive via email:
What About Your COVID Sickness Benefit?
The SSB representative also outlined what steps you would have to take at Social Security if you end up sick with the coronavirus and you were one of those employees who recently lost their job. Here's what she had to say about the safety net for those persons:
"So the Prime Minister of Belize signed a statutory instrument number
43 of 2020 on Friday and what statutory instrument does is gives us the
legal authority to waive the criteria of being an employed person.
We're paying sickness benefits should you be diagnosed with COVID-19
and so, if you're not aware, to qualify for any short term benefit at
social security, one of the requirements is that you are uninsurable
employment, which means that to qualify for short term benefit for
social security, you have to be employed at the time of the claim..."
Cooking on A COVID Budget, Finny-Style
Tonight, COVID - 19 has brought the Belizean economy to its knees,
thousands of tourism workers across the country have lost their jobs,
and tonight thousands more are in limbo, because the state of emergency
has forced their place of employment to close, possibly for a month.
So, a whole cross section of the society is facing very hard times. And
so we've been prospecting out there for recipes on how to help folks
prepare meals on a tight budget.
Making Meals For The Stranded
And while Finnegan showed you how to stretch your corned beef, one San
Pedro woman is stretching resources for all those people trapped on the
island town.
Maresha Reid, Chef and restaurateur, is putting her talents to use by
organizing a COVID-time feeding program for those trapped on the island
without any cooking facilities.
Masking Port Loyola
And it seems that in crisis, philanthropy abounds. Our next story is about
Mayra Munoz, a Port Loyola seamstress filling a vital need in her
community.
Mayra had been commissioned to make some masks for UDP Port Loyola standard...
City Council Get Pay Cut, Half-Gone!
Belize City Council employees got dealt a blow today. A letter from
their city administrator dated today says, quote, "the Council is
compelled to pay salaries at reduced rates for the April 1
st
- April 15
th
pay period. We have determined that it is currently financially
feasible to pay all employees at half-salary during the State of
Emergency. Note that these salary reductions are being applied across
the board and for all pay scales.
Tutorial On how To Get COVID Assistance
You've been hearing about the COVID-19 financial relief that the
government will be providing to the unemployed and recently unemployed.
The application form for these funds will be online by April 3, 2020
and a public announcement will be made once the form goes live. A press
release tonight says that once applications are received, the
verification and approval process will immediately begin; Verification
is being automated so it should be a quick process and Relief payments
should commence in the week of April 6, 2020
What Happens to An Employment Contract in A State of Emergency?
We turn now to a few of the labor concerns that Belizeans raised with the
Ask the Experts panel this evening during the webcast.
One viewer asked the labor commissioner about the contractual obligations
that employers have to their staff during the state of emergency. Here's
how she answered that one:
What Will Employees Get?
Another Belizean asked the Labor Commissioner about an employee's financial
expectations should be if their employer decides to close down business
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What About Those On The Frontline?
And finally, from today's webcast, we have the response that the Labor
Commissioner gave to a question about the possibility that the frontline
workers - such as the police and the medical professionals - could get sick
with the coronavirus while providing essential services.
Tropic Air, More Changes
Last week, we told you how Tropic Air had scaled back a significant
portion of its operation to cope with loss in business that has
accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic. Well, the local air carrier has
downsized a bit more for tomorrow's start of the state of emergency and
curfew.
The company says that effective April 2nd, 2020, they will be
temporarily suspending all passenger flights. The last flights were
scheduled for today, and Tropic Air is anticipating that tomorrow's
suspension to last for 30 days.
Fisheries Staying Afloat
The Fisheries Department is reporting tonight they are taking a few
steps to remain operational during the pandemic and the State of
Emergency.
They say that in conformity with the national effort to contain the
spread of the virus, the Fisheries Department offices in Belize City
and Punta Gorda will be closed to the public starting tomorrow, until
further notice. Also, all marine reserves under their care will be
close to visitation until further notice.
The Regulations, Again
And, so the state of emergency goes into effect tonight at midnight.
Here again are the limitations on movement and services that can be
offered:
Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General:
"During the hours of 8pm and 5am the next day, everything will be
closed with a few exceptions: People will not be allowed to wonder on
the streets or be on the streets except a few designated people. During
the day hours certain businesses will be open, certain businesses will
not be open. If you are going to be moving during the state of
emergency, you have to be moving with a purpose..."
AmbergrisCaye.com 
