Dear Editor,
I fail to see the reason why certain sectors of society are against the opening of the borders with proper protocols.

This does not mean throwing your borders wide open. If anyone wishes to enter or reenter Belize, they must bring a negative COVID-19 test.

This test is a bit uncomfortable, and you can bet the cook that people won’t be going and coming for any simple excuse. This pandemic has taught us that it is a person-to-person transmission, and the wearing of masks is the best defense against it.

My brother and I hosted a friend who had just returned from the U.S. in our office and had at least a half-hour conversation, keeping social distance and mask-wearing all the while. Two days later he informed us he was COVID-positive, but we did not get infected because of the protocols.

I think that if these protocols were followed by everyone, there would not be a worldwide pandemic. The supermarkets are filled with people following protocols, and we don’t hear about any spikes.

People need to cross borders for many reasons, and the ones who should be watched are those who do it illegally, since they do not bring the test.

If you have a medical emergency, you do not have time to apply for a permit. The officers at the border should be able to let you leave and return with your COVID-19 test. I agree with the opening of the borders, with proper protocols.

Nuff said.

Regards,
Romel Cuello