Belize Travel Notifications From The BTB

Guidance for Travellers coming to Belize

To date, while there have been NO reported cases of COVID-19 in Belize travellers are advised to take all necessary precautions when travelling.

Travellers are advised to:

• Stay informed about the COVID-19 situation in any countries they are travelling to.

• Practice general infection control measures, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Travellers coming to Belize from a COVID-19 affected country may undergo entrance screening if travelling through certain ports in the United States and in some Caribbean countries.

Guidance for Travellers arriving or returning to Belize from a COVID–19 affected country

Travellers arriving or returning to Belize from a COVID-19 affected country may face special screening measures. Travellers are advised as follows:

• Seek information about the current COVID-19 situation and remain aware of up-to-date information from the WHO or the Ministry of Health in the destination country.
• When leaving the affected area, you may be screened by airport officials and again at airports in connecting countries. They may take your temperature, ask about your activities to assess the likelihood of you acquiring the infection, and/or ask you to complete a survey with your travel history.

When travelling from a country with reported cases of COVID-19 travellers should:

a)  Seek medical care if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 during travel and mention your travel history.

b)  If you have symptoms during travel or upon arrival into Belize, tell a flight attendant immediately, OR a port health officer or a border services officer when you arrive. They will determine whether you need further medical assessment.

c)  Monitor your health upon your return or entry into Belize from a country affected by the COVID-19.

d)  Seek medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms within 14 days after your arrival in Belize: fever, headache, fatigue, severe and nonproductive cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea or any other severe symptoms.

e)  Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you have travelled to a region where

Novel coronavirus was present. Make sure to tell them about the activities or work you participated in and whether there was contact with a person known or suspected to have been infected by the COVID-19.

The National Emergency Management Organization hereby informs that the strong, fast moving tropical wave in the central Caribbean located150 miles south-southwest of Kingston or some 650 miles east of Belize continues to move westward at about 20 mph.   The system is producing winds of 40 to 45 mph, however it still appears to lack a closed surface circulation.    Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for additional development, and Tropical Storm Earl could form later today.   An Air Force Reserve Reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system this morning.  As much as 6 inches of rain can be expected in our region.

If it develops into a Tropical Storm a watch followed by a warning would be issued, details to follow.       People are encouraged to start putting their emergency plans into action.  Stock up on essential supplies, medication, food, water, flash light, lantern, toiletries etc.   If evacuating, move early.   If you are going to shelter know which shelter you will go to and how you will get there.    Take along what you need to survive and weather the storm for a few days.    If you live in a flood prone area and along the coast and your home is not safe you are strongly advised to move early.    Residents and local authorities are encouraged to clean drains to reduce flooding.

Damages caused by tropical storm include damage to trees, poorly constructed and older timber buildings; loose items can become projectiles damaging windows and doors.  Broken glass, exposed nails, wood splinters and down power lines are dangerous; coastal roads will experience flooding and minor piers could suffer damage, boats can be washed away; damage to power lines and poles could result in power outages.   Flooding pose a direct threat to life, contaminated water and sanitation systems poses serious health risks.

NEMO urges all to remain alert but calm.   NEMO will provide more details after the 7:00 a.m. national executive committee meeting.   Do not listen to rumours!  Listen to your local radio and television for further advisories from NEMO and the National Met Service.

 

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