BELIZE CITY, Mon. Jan. 3, 2022– The Deputy Director of Health Services has released a memo which announces a reduction in the isolation period for persons infected with Covid-19. The directive handed down from the Ministry of Health and Wellness has established a shorter isolation period of 10 days for members of the general public who test positive for the COVID-19 virus — four days less than the 14-day isolation period that had previously been required.

Essential workers, however, will be away from their places of employment for a shorter time than what is being afforded to other citizens, since their isolation time has been reduced from a 10-day period to seven days. Those essential workers, listed in the SI, are typically on the frontline of the pandemic and are at higher risk of contracting the virus.

These shortened periods will be applicable for infected persons who have been asymptomatic for at least 3 days, without needing any additional medication. However, an extended isolation period might be required for certain persons with delayed recovery if a medical practitioner sees fit.