Belize: Officials relax nationwide curfew and other COVID-19-related measures as of Feb. 1 /update 18

Event

Effective Feb. 1, authorities in Belize will ease the nationwide nightly curfew and other domestic measures in place to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the new measures will be in place through early March for a period of at least 30 days. The curfew will be scaled back by two hours and enforced 2200-0500 instead of 2000-0500. The curfew for minors remains nightly 1800-0500. 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 curfew.

The following measures have also been relaxed as of Feb. 1:

• The inter-district travel restrictions for Corozal and Orange Walk districts have been lifted.

• Gymnasiums may reopen at no more than 50-percent capacity per hour, by appointment only, and with adherence to other health and sanitization protocols.

• Churches may resume services at no more than 50-percent capacity; services should not exceed one hour.

• Food vendors may operate in public spaces subject to health protocols.

Officials have not announced any changes to the following previously announced measures; these are subject to amendment at short notice:

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• All travelers are required to download the Belize Health mobile application no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government COVID-19 Updates
Belize Tourism Board