Belize: Officials extend nightly curfew, maintain coronavirus disease-related business and travel restrictions as of Jan. 19 /update 17

Event

Authorities in Belize have extended the nation's 2000-0500 nightly curfew and business and international travel restrictions as part of their efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Members of the security forces, as well as immigration and customs workers, healthcare workers, and those with authorization from the national government, are exempt from the measures.

Other previously imposed measures remain in place until further notice.

International Travel
Air travel has resumed; however, the country's sea and land ports of entry remain closed to most nonresident foreign nationals. All arriving residents and nonresidents must download the Belize Health mobile application and fill in their details before travel. Additional measures are in place for nonresidents:

Upon entry, travelers must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test take taken no more 96 hours before boarding their flight to Belize, or any other approved test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Travelers unable to produce such documentation will be denied entry.
Travelers may be randomly selected for a second test upon arrival at the airport. Any traveler testing positive for COVID-19 must complete a 14-day quarantine at a government-approved quarantine hotel at the traveler's expense.
Visitors are required to stay at Gold Standard hotels, but may use any means of transport to move around, including car rentals.
Visitors can move about freely; however, it is recommended that they remain within the Tourism Safe Corridor comprised of Gold Standard certified restaurants, tour operators, tourism sites and attractions, and gift shops.
Officials have not made any announcements specifically on the reopening of the country's sea and land ports of entry for nonresident foreign nationals. Cargo shipments and medical travel are exempt.
Belize nationals and residents, as well as foreign diplomats accredited in Belize, work permit holders, and persons traveling on business, may enter through the land or sea ports. However, travelers may only do so if they have received authorization in advance from the national government; moreover, they must enter quarantine upon arrival.
All travelers are required to download the Belize Health phone application no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Domestic Measures
The following restrictions on businesses, gatherings, and activities remain in place:

All persons over the age of five must wear protective facemasks at all times, except while in private residences, exercising or engaged in any sports activity, driving alone or with only immediate family members, riding motorcycles or bicycles, or seated at restaurants.
Gatherings of over 10 people are prohibited; all persons must adhere to social distancing directives.
Outdoor exercise is permitted provided social distancing measures are maintained; however, competitive sports events and recreational contact sports are prohibited.
Churches and other places of worship may resume services with no more than 10 people in attendance.
Restaurants and similar licensed establishments may provide outside dining services by reservation only and at 50-percent capacity. Takeout services are permitted.
All bars, rum shops, discotheques, nightclubs, casinos, gymnasiums, and gaming establishments are to remain closed.
Spas, beauty salons, and barbershops are allowed to operate by appointment only, with only two customers allowed in the establishment at a time.
Schools remain closed but may operate online.
Other businesses are allowed to open at a maximum of 50-percent capacity and with customers and workers maintaining social distance.
Nonessential businesses must allow employees to work from home whenever possible.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Highly targeted localized measures could be enforced in villages and towns with higher disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.