BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 23, 2021– Last week the Ministry of Health and Wellness informed all its staff members that approved vacations have been put on hold, and directed those healthcare workers who were already on leave to return to work.

The decision has not been received well by some nurses, who have since taken to Facebook to express their discontent. Nurses are playing a central role in treating an increasing number of persons infected with Covid-19, and due to an insufficient number of these medical professionals in public healthcare facilities nationwide, the Health Ministry decided to ensure that all nurses are in action at these facilities as a third wave of Covid-19 infections sweeps across the country.

Last week, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Michel Chebat, told local media, “We’re in a third wave. Unfortunately, the number of doctors and nurses we have in the country is very limited, and right now we need all hands on deck to be able to provide proper health services to all of our residents, so that is the situation we’re faced with.”

The circular from the Deputy Director of Health Services office, as previously mentioned, was directed to all members of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ staff. It must be noted that these frontline workers have been toiling ceaselessly since the start of the pandemic in Belize in early 2020.