BELIZE CITY, Fri. Jan. 29, 2021– As a result of the relaxation of quarantine regulations, gyms and churches will finally be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity. The Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries noted, however, that gym owners will have to ensure that they keep a log of names, phone numbers, and temperature readings of all persons who use the facility.

He also outlined that persons wishing to go to the gym must do so by appointment. For churches, services will be limited to one hour, and parishioners are asked to adhere to social distancing protocol during services.

“It is 50% of the building capacity, because if we get 50% of the membership, you might have 3,000 people inna one church, soh, let’s make it very clear, 50% of the building capacity is what is meant by the legislation.” Hon. Musa stated.

Minister Musa also took the opportunity to also clarify how the regulations apply to the holding of other religious services such as weddings and funerals. “Even though churches are allowed to have service, weddings are still restricted to ten, and funerals are still restricted to ten,” he said. He also outlined that these services must last one hour from the start of the service.

Like other businesses, gyms will be subjected to oversight from a peace officer on a case-by-case basis. As mentioned, gym owners will be responsible for logging attendance and additionally must sanitize all exercise equipment after each use. In justifying the reopening of gyms after a 10-month closure, Minister Musa outlined that they determined that the activities at those facilities are not contact sports.