On, July 1, 2020, Belize will no longer under a State of Emergency that was implemented in March as the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed. After being in complete lockdown, then moving on to phased relaxations of emergency lockdown measures, Belize will now enter a “Post State of Emergency” in which the Ministry of Health signs a Statutory Instrument to bring into effect the Quarantine Authority.
Under this Quarantine Authority all businesses are free to open and the curfew has been lifted, but social distancing and the wearing of masks are being strictly enforced by the law. Land borders will remain closed until further notice, while the Belize’s Philip Goldson International Airport is scheduled to open on August 15, 2020.
Other Regulations Coming into Effect Include:
- Border jumpers rule will apply as was the case during the SoE. Persons caught entering the country illegally (even Belizeans) will be arrested, subject to quarantine if proved positive for COVID-19 and possible sentence of 3 months in prison.
- Moving with a purpose will be enforced as is spelt out under the ordinary law. The curfew has been lifted but people can still be arrested in the middle of the night if caught loitering or moving about the streets with no purpose.
- Six feet Social distancing will be enforced.
- Mask must be worn inside all PUBLIC PLACES and on all public transportation.
- You do NOT NEED TO WEAR A MASK while eating at restaurants, attending church services, in the security of your home, while exercising, participating in sporting activities, swimming, driving alone or with immediate family in vehicle or riding a motorcycle or bicycle
- Mask must be worn at place where liquor is being served, however the mask could be removed to either eat food or drink liquor. Social distancing is not required at bars or casinos.
- Cargo and Emergency medical flights will be allowed to come in after obtaining permission from the Attorney General and Minister of National Security.
- BPO must continue to operate under the protocols established by the Ministry of Health.
- Day care centers will be allowed to operate.
