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World Down Syndrome Day

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42 new cases at CFZ. Will land borders reopen next month?

General42 new cases at CFZ. Will land borders reopen next month?

COROZAL, Fri. Jan. 14, 2022– Last week, the Ministry of Health and Wellness began performing bulk COVID-19 testing at the Corozal Free Zone, and on Friday, January 14, forty-two new cases of the virus were identified—a total of 14% of the 296 investors and employees who were swabbed. The detection of these additional cases took place after 173 persons were found to be COVID-19 positive on Wednesday and brought the total number of infections to 215.

According to CEO of the Corozal Free Zone, Neri Ramirez, all those who tested positive were asymptomatic and were sent home so that they could be quarantined for seven days. The majority of those tested on Wednesday were also asymptomatic. The total number of persons at the CFZ who have been tested so far now stands at 1,298, and this, says Ramirez, is the majority of the Corozal Free Zone’s population. The CEO further noted that 159 persons received vaccine booster shots recently, bringing the percentage of individuals who have gotten their boosters to almost 100%. And when asked how the sudden rise in COVID-19 cases has been affecting business, he pointed out that only three stores out of a total of 200 have had to close, meaning that 98.5% of the Free Zone remains in operation.

The sudden rise in cases at the CFZ has occurred in tandem with a surge in cases across the country. At the beginning of the most recent wave of COVID-19 following the detection of the Omicron variant in the country, the Government of Belize postponed the reopening of the country’s land borders from January to February. But in the face of the Omicron variant and the rapid ongoing spread of infections, it remains to be seen whether the date will be pushed back once again. In a virtual interview with the media, Minister of Health Hon. Kevin Bernard stated that Cabinet has yet to make a final decision on the matter.

“The team at the Ministry has already forwarded their recommendations in terms of what needs to be put in place—what needs to be there for the preparation of the borders. We have to make sure we address the issue of testing, we address the issue of what requirements will be allowed for those going over on a 24-hour period, for those going for over 24-hours, and all of these things are being looked at,” said Bernard.

Hon. Bernard stated that the safety of citizens and the health of the nation will always be taken into consideration, but he is also of the belief that we should ensure that the economy continues to thrive. He also said that the Ministry plans to take “whatever is the best approach” when it comes to the reopening of the borders.

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