BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Sept. 17, 2020– On September 16, the data shared by the Office of the Director of Health Services outlined a total of 696 COVID-19 recoveries, with 33 being recorded on that day.

This new data brings the total number of active cases to 821, or 53.5% of all confirmed cases, which, at the time of the release of the new data, stood at 1,536.

The office of the Director of Health Services also recorded just 8 new cases from a batch of 133 samples processed on September 16. One of those cases was found in Concepcion, Corozal; 1 in San Ignacio, Cayo; 1 in San Roman, Stann Creek; and 5 in the Belize District: 2 in San Pedro, 2 in Caye Caulker and 1 in Belize City.

Of the 334 samples processed on September 15, a total of 27 new cases were found. According to a breakdown of the data, 13 were identified in Corozal, 10 in Orange Walk and 4 in Belize City.

That day, a total of 123 cases were classified as recovered. The weekly graphic of active cases published on September 14, showed that the number of active cases in Orange Walk — 333, is still significantly higher than the number of cases in other areas of the country. Also, the number of active cases in the Belize District now surpasses that of Ambergris Caye, which recorded 140 active cases.

Cayo had 150 active cases as of September 14, and Corozal recorded 103. In Stann Creek, 27 cases remain active and in Toledo, 5 cases are active at this time.

 On September 15, the Ministry of Health issued a notice that urged providers of sanitization services to call the Ministry of Health officer to be advised on recommended sanitization protocols. The release states, “The Ministry of Health has noticed with concern the increase of request for support to recommend a sanitization provider for COVID-19. The Public Health Department has made the observation that while this activity supports the control of the spread of COVID-19, out of an abundance of caution, this activity must adhere to the Ministry of Health’s recommendations to be effective and safe.”

The Ministry is requesting that providers: 1) request a letter of endorsement from the Ministry of Health before contracting a sanitization service; 2) ensure that chemicals used are either 70% alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach; and 3) conduct cleaning before the sanitization of the premises and ensure all necessary personal protective equipment is used.

Persons are asked to contact John Bodden, Principal Public Health Inspector in the Ministry at 828-4451 or [email protected].