The Belize Police Department has issued a press release where it reiterates that hosting social and recreational gatherings during the Easter holiday is not only dangerous in light of the COVID-19 pandemic but also illegal under the current Statutory Instrument (SI) in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

“As we approach the Easter holiday, we are seeing a number of advertisements promoting social events having the potential of drawing mass gatherings all over the country and in particular within the Coastal Communities,” stated the press release from the Police Department.

Police warned that Regulation 9 (1)(c) of Statutory Instrument No. 9 of 2021 provides for restrictions against any social event. The Department also noted that Regulation 9(1)(a) provides for restrictions against any private gathering which includes any person from outside your immediate household. Regulation 9(1)(b) also provides for restrictions against any recreational event.

“This means that these events being promoted on social media and otherwise are prohibited under SI No. 9 of 2021. Thus, we are asking the general public not to host or attend these events. While we are seeing a decrease in the number of daily infections the threat of Covid19 is still real,” the Department said.

Police called on the public to neither host or attend such gatherings and stressed that those who violate the regulations this Easter will be “dealt with to the full extent of the law”.

Businesses can face up to a $5,000 fine for violating COVID-19 regulations during Easter

The Honourable Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, warned businesses, such as restaurants, that they could face a $5,000 fine for COVID-19 regulation violations during the Easter weekend. He also advised against social events at hotels and other private accommodations and instead encouraged the Easter Safety Three W’s campaign- Wash hands, Wear your mask, and Watch your distance.

Under Statutory Instrument No. 9 of 2021, all social events (parties) are restricted to prevent a virus super-spreader. Musa explained restaurants could cater to 50% capacity; anything beyond that is considered unlawful. “It is not one of these ticketable offenses that result in a $500 fine. In this instance, the hosting of events, you are actually going to be charged $5,000, and also you will have to be detained,” explained Musa. The minister in charge of the police also indicated that the law would apprehend not only those hosting the unlawful event but also those attending.

The Mayor of San Pedro, Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, also appealed to island residents and businesses to abide by the established safety protocols. “We are still living under COVID-19. I urge you to take extra precautions during this festive season. It is up to us to keep the COVID-19 infections low,” said Nuñez. The Mayor said that law enforcers and the San Pedro Traffic Department would monitor activities on the island during the Easter weekend.

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