BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 2, 2021– A large number of police officers on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic have been infected with the deadly virus since the pandemic initially reached Belize. In December of 2020, the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, reported that around 300 to 350 officers were out sick due to the coronavirus. At the time, the numbers were raging in Belize, and police were also making arrests in the hundreds each day of citizens violating the prevention protocols.

Since then, fortunately, the number of infections inside the department has decreased drastically, according to the Commissioner of Police. The last report was that around 30 or so officers were out sick, infected with the virus.

During an interview with local media this past week, Commissioner Williams shared that he hoped his officers on the ground would be among the first to be vaccinated when their time comes.

“I would want to see my officers getting it before me. I’m the person at the head and I would yield to them, because they are the ones who are out there more than I am, interacting with the public, and I have no difficulty, when my turn comes, to take it. I will take it.” Commissioner Williams shared.

Police officers are among the second priority group who will be immunized in Belize.