As part of the Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 106, this Sunday, September 26th and October 3rd, free movement across the country will be restricted, including San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, and Placencia, which are exempt from the countrywide 7PM curfew. The only movement allowed will be for essential services. The government has resorted to this measure to contain the increase in COVID-19 cases all over Belize. Some residents in Ambergris Caye wondered if the 'Lockdown Sunday' applied to the exempt areas, including the Cayes. A check with the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan City clarified such speculations. In an email, they explained that lockdown Sunday also include San Pedro and all other areas that are exempt from the 7PM curfew. There is no exemption from the lockdown Sundays.'
The SI, which came into effect on Monday, September 20th mandates a countrywide 7PM curfew under Regulation 4. Under this same regulation, it cites the exception for main tourism destinations; Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Placencia, where the curfew remains from 9PM to 4AM. However, there is no exemption for these tourism hubs on the two 'No Movement Days' (September 26th and October 3rd).
During these upcoming two Sundays, the different businesses allowed to operate include those providing essential services. These include fuel stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, medical and veterinary institutions, public transportation companies, and hotels and resorts catering to their guests. Another clarification is Regulation 18 that accommodated restaurants with proper ventilation in Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, and Placencia, to operate up to 75% of their seating capacity. This will not be allowed during these two Sundays, and individual restaurants not attached to a hotel should be closed. Excursions such as snorkel or diving day trips are also discouraged during these two Lockdown Sundays.
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