National Surveillance Team of the Ministry of Health is aware that the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic is now a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Ministry will be following the developments in this regard so that the relevant changes in terms of response will be mirrored on the ground as they evolve.
The Caribbean region still remains at low risk and the declaration of the PHEIC does not mean that there are any changes in terms of travel bans or restrictions. The Ministry of Health continues ongoing discussions with CARPHA and PAHO regional and country offices to keep everyone abreast of the regional response. The Ministry and its partners are monitoring all epidemiological information and surveillance activities in relation to 2019-nCoV.
The Ministry is following a case of interest in the Corozal District, but to date, this region including Belize has no confirmed cases of (2019-nCoV).
It is the middle of flu season; therefore, the public is advised to make every effort to reduce the spreading of the flu and other viruses, including the (2019-nCoV), by practicing proper hand washing hygiene.
For more information, contact: Claudette Dakers-Norales, Information Officer, Ministry of Health or call 828-4450/631-3014
