Update From San Pedro, Belize: Asked to Shelter in Place

For all OFFICIAL announcements issued by the Government of Belize, please see the Press Office page.

 

So Shakespeare wrote the masterpiece King Lear during one of the16th-17th century plague-inspired quarantines…

** “Fun” fact:  Between 1348 – 1665, an outbreak of something occurred every 20-30 years in London, killing around 20% of London’s population each time.  (Holy.  shit.  Renaissance my ass)

I keep seeing people posting about getting in shape or…”making the most of this time.”

I can hardly keep myself from napping.  And then reading…and then napping again.  I fear that in great uncertainty, I am neither fight or flight.  I am shut-down.

BUT ENOUGH ABOUT ME – IT IS 9:30AM ON MONDAY, MARCH 23RD AND THERE IS A PRESS CONFERENCE GOING ON IN BELIZE CITY WITH THE PRIME MINISTER AND HIS COMMITTEES.

The first unconfirmed case of COVID 19 has been identified in San Pedro.  A woman who has returned from the US last week – and went into immediate self isolation.  The GOB is mapping this person’s contacts.

Just 2 weeks ago, our country was flooded with visitors – it is our busy season – and cruise ships were coming in daily.  I don’t think anyone is surprised that the virus is here – it has spread around the world.  The GOOD news is that we have information from countries that are dealing with much larger outbreaks and there is a TON to learn on how to slow this down.

Also good news – Belize has a relatively small population and low population density.  We know that this spreads much faster in very densely populated areas like a city in China or New York City.

We, in San Pedro, have been asked to “shelter in place” but there are more details coming.  To not leave the island for the mainland – and for mainlanders to not come to Ambergris Caye.

Extensive measures that have been taken over the past week:

The International Aiport is closed as of the end of day today.  There is one additional Repatriation Flight for Canadian citizens thru West Jet that will come in Wednesday, March 25th.

Caye Caulker is also closed to visitors – here is the announcement.

Schools are closed countrywide as of last Friday and will be closed until Easter break at the very earliest.

THE VERY BOTTOM LINE IS DO NOT PANIC…

Wash your hands.  Stay away from others as much as possible.

PRECAUTIONS ARE BEING TAKEN, PLANS ARE BEING MADE.