Yesterday the Prime Minister of Belize announced the aspirational goal of opening the International Airport saying “A July 1 re-start for international flights, is the fervent hope of us all. Indeed, it has been the trigger for contingency tourism planning that is now well advanced. Unfortunately, however, we must concede the distinct possibility of a push back. Unless, for instance, either a rapid test is available for us to screen visitors or they can produce a satisfactory passport immunity certificate, it is difficult to see how we could proceed.”

Belize was able to get on top of covid-19 through

• quick response when the first case was detected
• strong enforcement of the State of Emergency regulations with fines and jail time for violators
• public education and transparency.

The country wide Statute declaring a State of Emergency and the curfew stays in place until the 30 June, the country is cautiously opening n.

Most businesses are now open with strict adherence to social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitation.  Restaurants with outdoor seating are now opening with six foot spacing and a maximum of 10 guests at a time.

Dive shops can now open from 05:00 am to 7:00 pm.

All of this is taking an economic toll on Belizeans, particularly the tourism sector.  Foreign tourism is temporarily on hold.  The focus is on local tourism for the time being and we hope Belizeans will take this time to explore their homeland.

We are really looking forward to the day international tourist can return.  The management of the covid-19 pandemic makes Belize the destination of choice for tourists once this pandemic is behind us.  Belize – healthy and pristine and soon to be welcoming!