BELIZE CITY, Wed. Jan. 22, 2020– A statement that was posted on a Facebook page of the Office of the Director of Health Services addresses concerns about the newly-discovered coronavirus by stating, “The Ministry of Health is aware and is monitoring the international alerts in relation to a new strain of coronavirus that has been linked to severe cases of respiratory tract infections.”
The office of the Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, stated on the Facebook page that the coronavirus has now spread to at least 3 countries and is being transmitted through human-to-human contact.

That information, however, appears to be outdated. Our research has confirmed that the coronavirus has spread to the following countries: China (544 confirmed cases); Thailand (2 confirmed cases); Japan (1 confirmed case); South Korea (1 confirmed case); and the US ( 1 confirmed case).

“As with all new viruses and infections, we will be guided by the international alerts and in line with International Health Regulations. For now, we remain in close communication with our regional partners and we will be updating any information as may be required,” stated the Office of the Director of Health Services in the Facebook post.

The Director of Health Services’ office concluded the Facebook post by stating, “For now, the usual measures and precautions for the prevention of the flu virus ought to be exercised at all level as we are in the middle of our flu season.”

The coronavirus, which was discovered in Wuhan, China, has claimed 19 lives as of January 21, the World Health Organization reported.