BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 24, 2021– An apparent surge in COVID-19 cases is occurring in the Orange Walk and Stann Creek Districts. Also, over the last week, Belize recorded three COVID-19 related deaths — another disturbing statistic. In reference to the increased number of cases in the Orange Walk District, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat, has stated there has been a blatant disregard for the COVID-19 protocols in that district.

It is believed that the rise in cases in the Orange Walk and Stann Creek districts is a result of a waning sense of vigilance among the public in regard to the risks of COVID-19 transmission and the residents’ reluctance to follow public health measures that are in place. It has been reported that in Orange Walk, there have even been instances where clubs have been operating at full capacity, in defiance of the current Statutory Instrument in place that prohibits the opening of night clubs.

“We went from a period where we were recording over 500 cases per day to some days we were down to two, three, four cases. I think it is natural that people felt there was a lull and people felt this pandemic was over, which is not the case,” said Minister Chebat.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is currently assessing the situation and trying to identify the cause of the recent outbreak. Contact tracing has been initiated, and the Ministry expects that its surveillance team will be able to determine the source of the cases in the coming days. While the ministry plans to avoid instituting another lockdown, the Minister of Health and Wellness has stated that, if necessary, his ministry will introduce whatever measures are needed to minimize transmission.