BELIZE CITY, Mon. Oct. 26, 2020–A COVID-19 outbreak in the Prosecution Branch of the Police Department has prompted the closure of the Magistrate’s Court. The Civil and Criminal division of the lower court will be closed for two weeks, effective October 26.

Over 50 police officers connected to the Prosecutions Branch and no less than 5 persons in the Magistrate’s Court have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

A press release issued by the Magistracy department said, “The recent confirmed COVID-19 cases at the Prosecution Branch understandably increases concern for the Staff of the Prosecution Branch and the Magistrate’s Court, which offices work closely together, as well as for the public who attends court on a daily basis.”

The release says that the closure has been done to mitigate the spread of the virus in the department and allow infected persons to recover safely at home.

While the courts will be closed for normal business, bail applications and some arraignments will continue to be dealt with.

Persons with questions on adjournment or other inquiries are asked to contact the Magistrate Court’s office at 227-7164.

The court will reopen on November 6, 2020.