BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Nov. 12, 2020– As of yesterday, Wednesday, November 11, the terrible coronavirus had claimed 75 lives in Belize. Frontline workers who provide healthcare and security services are at a particularly high risk of infection, since they are more likely to be exposed to the virus due to the nature of their work.

Recently, Elsner Medina, 25, a police officer from Patchakan Village, Corozal District, died from COVID-19 complications after battling a sinus condition for some months. The Ministry of Health believes that while COVID-19 may have not directly caused his death, it played a major role in the deterioration of his health.

Medina underwent surgery on November 4 to address his throat infection, but suffered cardiac arrest during the procedure. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

This death has hit the Belize Police Department hard, since many police officers are still infected with the coronavirus. In an interview with local media, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, said that the department is mourning Medina’s passing.

In his comments, Williams focused on the importance of adhering to the regulations in place and seeking treatment early. He said that the department is continuing to be vigilant in an effort to minimize the risk to its officers, since infections in the Department are on the rise.

“More and more of our officers are becoming positive with the virus, and it is with that spirit that I continue to ask the Belizean people to please work with us, because whenever people behave recklessly or irresponsibly, the police have to come in contact with them, and for the most part, that is how our officers are getting infected, so protect yourselves and at the same time, protect the police officers as well,” Williams said.