COVID-19 pandemic in Belize

The country's first case was announced on 23 March, a Belizean woman who returned to San Pedro Town from Los Angeles, California.[7][8][9] The second case was announced on 25 March. They had immediate contact with the first case.[10]

The third case in Belize was announced on 29 March from a traveler returning from New York City to Belize City.[11]

The 5th confirmed case of coronavirus was confirmed in a Belizean student who returned from Florida in the United States. At the time he was reported to be in self-isolation at a quarantine facility and had no symptoms.[12] By 13 April, the last of 18 initial domestic cases of the COVID-19 was reported in Belize. Of these, 2 people died (on 4 April and 10 April).[13]

The last of the remaining 16 reported cases had recovered by 5 May.[14]

On 5 June, a new case was reported. It was a male Belizean National who came home on a cruise ship with other fellow Belizeans. He was already under quarantine when the case was reported.

On 6 June or 7 June, a 22-year-old infected but asymptomatic female was caught entering the country illegally and was placed into the mandatory quarantine facility in Punta Gorda, along with her 2 travelling companions who were not infected.[15]

On 19 June, a young asymptomatic female Belizean returning to Belize from Texas on a repatriation flight was found to be infected upon testing at her arrival and was sent to immediate quarantine as per the established protocol. She has been identified only as Patient 23.[16]

As of July 14, there have been a total of 39 cases of COVID-19 cases, with 16 active cases and the majority (9) are from Orange Walk District, with 7 being from Blue Creek Village and 2 are repatriated persons, the remainder are repatriated cases, majority in Belize City (6) and new active case in San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town with unknown origins. Contact tracing has begun with the infected individual.[17]

The villages of Blue Creek and San Felipe have gone into a month lock-down due to the cluster from Blue Creek.

As of Tuesday July 21, 2020, there are a total of 43 confirmed cases, 18 of those are active, 23 have recovered and the death count remains at 2.

As of July 24, there are a total of 48 confirmed cases, with the death count remaining at 2, and no known community spread.[18]

Belize has announced a phased re-opening for international tourism with a resumption of some international flights for tourists starting on August 15, 2020. All travelers are required to be tested for the coronavirus. The initial re-opening calls for a limited number of hotels and additional restrictions within the country.[19] On August 5, 2020, an additional 14 cases were confirmed in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Bringing the total confirmed COVID-19 cases to 86. On August 6, 2020, an additional 28 cases were confirmed, 20 cases linked in San Pedro, 1 case from San Ignacio, 1 case from Belmopan, 2 cases from Santa Martha, 1 case from Orange Walk Town and 3 cases in Belize City. There is a total of 80 active cases.[20]

As of 10 August 2020, they are a total of 177 confirmed cases, 86 females and 91 males. Out of the 177 cases, 143 are active, 32 have recovered and the deaths remain at 2.

As of 11 August 2020, 33 new cases were confirmed, increasing the total of confirmed cases to 210, 96 females and 114 males. Out of the 210 cases, 176 are active, 32 have recovered and the deaths remain at 2.[21]

As of 12 August 2020, 86 new cases were confirmed, increasing the total of confirmed cases to 296, 122 females and 174 males. Out of the 296 cases, 262 are active cases, 32 recovered and the deaths remain at 2.[22]

Increasing numbers of active cases until September 10 (1021 active cases), then decline to 634 at September 28. After this, numbers of active cases started to increase again with 692 active cases end of September.[23]

October 1: The Belize airport reopened for international travel.[24]

October 11: 2496 confirmed cases, 1531 recovered, 905 active cases, 36 deaths.[25]

The majority of cases is in the northern half of the country with 471 confirmed cases so far in Orange Walk district. According to residents the virus may have spread from people border jumping to Mexico / Chetumal, and through bars and a market in Orange Walk, where people buy illegally imported beers, toilet paper, detergents, pampers and other items. Many of the cases in San Pedro (with about 322 total and 62 active cases reported on October 5 [26]) may have originated through this avenue as well.

November 2 reported that 25 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed on November 1. Reported that 2,200 people recovered.[27][28]

Belize authorities issued restriction for travelers from England for November 5 to December 2, 2020.[29]

In early December, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, the Director of Health Services in Belize, said that he tested positive for COVID-19 and had experienced minor symptoms in his throat; while Prime Minister John Briceño returned to work, saying he had recovered from his bout with the virus.[30]