As of 3PM on April 16th, 2020, approximately 651 COVID-19 coronavirus tests have been administered in Belize. As a result, our total cases in country remain with 18 positive cases, including 2 unfortunate deaths. The districts of Stann Creek, Toledo, and Orange Walk all remain COVID-19 free. This latest update on the COVID-19 Belize pandemic comes from the Ministry of Health (MOH). Of the 651 tests, eighty-eight (88) further tests are currently under investigation awaiting results.

Case Updates

As quarantine measures remain in effect all over the country, the MOH implores Belizeans to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in Belize by staying home. Majority of Belize’s cases are found in the Cayo District and Belize District; namely, in San Ignacio and Belize City, respectively. Additionally, the Ministry of Health has further extended the 14-day period to a 21-day patient quarantine. This extension comes after Patient #1 tested positive after more than 15 days after being confirmed positive. As a result, citizens are encouraged to shelter in place to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in Belize.

More Test Kits Ordered

Just this week, the Cayman Islands offered Belize “as many test kits as needed”, available at cost price. Belize has so far received 2,500 tests from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and is expecting an additional 11,500 tests. Furthermore, Belize has ordered 4,000 tests from the Roche Agency in Guatemala. The 2,000 test kits will arrive this week, while the remaining 2,000 arrive next week. The Ministry of Health has also confirmed that a test kit is different from an actual test, and in fact, contains 100 tests.

#StopTheSpread

Regardless of where you are in the world, you can do your part to #stopthespread of COVID-19 if you #stayhome.