BELIZE CITY, Mon. Oct. 4, 2021– This morning, the Ministry of Health and Wellness announced that two COVID-19 testing sites — one in each of the country’s two cities — will be opened. Both walk-in and drive-through testing will be available at the testing sites, which will be located at the Civic Center in Belize City and in the parking lot adjacent the Belmopan Civic Center in Belmopan.

A release from the Health Ministry states, “These testing sites are for individuals who are asymptomatic and require a negative COVID-19 test for their employer or to access government buildings. Please note that no payment is required at the two sites.”

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has indicated that those persons who have been in close contact with Covid-positive persons should continue to access testing services at the Central Health Regional and the Western Regional hospitals, respectively.

It must be noted that as a result of the recently passed SI that has made it necessary for those seeking to enter government-owned buildings to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test, there will be a large number of persons, particularly unvaccinated public workers, who will need access to testing. With just a little over 50% of our population vaccinated, the opening of these testing sites will aid the Ministry in providing facilities for adequate testing, and may fast-track the testing process in the country, which has been criticized as being an arduous process by citizens.