The Caribbean country of Belize is preparing to reopen to international visitors on July 1, as the country lays out its exit strategy from lockdown. This date, July 1, would include the reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). Today, the Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Dean Barrow has announced the country of Belize is going into a new phase of easing restrictions for both local and international travel. However, that date is extremely tentative on no further coronavirus cases in Belize, with precautionary measures. Additionally, this decision for Belize to reopen the international airport (PGIA) is very contingent on what’s happening in the U.S.A. at the time. Belize has been closed to overseas arrivals since April 5, even to Belizean nationals.
Since confirming the 3rd coronavirus case in-country, Belize’s borders have been closed with a national state of emergency. The Government of Belize later went on to roll out strict lockdown measures for residents. Besides border closures, there is also a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, which comes with a fine of US$5,000 for anyone who violates the rule. However, the lockdown has helped to contain the virus. Belize currently has zero active cases today, with a total of 18 cases of COVID-19 and 2 deaths recorded. Belize is 1 of only 12 countries in the world that are currently COVID-19 free.
Aruba was the first Caribbean destination to announce a specific date to reopen its borders (and international airport), joined by Belize. Several other Caribbean destinations are also preparing similar plans to reopen, though none have officially announced a date.
Belize confirmed its first case of coronavirus on March 23, nearly 2 months after the United States confirmed the first infection. On March 30, when the country had 3 cases, the Government of Belize announced a national state of emergency for 30 days. A few days later, Belize’s borders were closed even to Belizean nationals seeking entry. Though then-considered extreme, this decision was a turning point to avoid community spread from imported cases. Nationals may only enter the country under a medical emergency, while borders remain closed for exiting. However, exits for non-nationals are possible through various repatriation flights. Besides being the last country in the Americas to report infection, Belize was also the first in the Americas to report no active COVID19 cases. As of May 14, Belize plans to reopen its international airport (PGIA) for tourism and travel. General entry into Belize by air may be allowed by July 1st – land and sea air entry may be later than that. GoB is not rushing this because they wish not to undo our success in containing the virus.