Effective today, May 15th, Statutory Instrument No. 72 of 2020, the Belize Constitution (Emergency Powers) Regulations, 2020, comes into effect.
In summary, the country remains under a state of emergency with all borders remaining closed. The curfew remains in effect for children under the age of 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and for adults from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. unless your are exercising which allows you to be out between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. only.
The new SI ushers in more relaxed measures, but the Attorney General urges Belizeans to only venture out with a specific purpose. He reiterated that these relaxed measures in no way means that we are able to roam the streets aimlessly and not practice social distancing.
Main points of note from the Attorney General’s “Ask the Experts” session held on May 14, 2020 are as follows:
- pools, seas and rivers can now be enjoyed by Belizeans, but must be used subject to social distancing rules;
- hotels can now reopen for local tourism only;
- restaurants with outdoor seating areas can reopen, but must be used subject to social distancing rules;
- masks are no longer required for those persons exercising between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.;
- churches can reopen but can only have a maximum of 10 persons worshiping at any given time and children under the age of 12 cannot attend these public services;
- cross district travel is now allowed, but for specific purposes and not for random trips (i.e. your trip must be for a specific purpose);
- bars, casinos, discos/clubs remain closed;
- lottery draws remain discontinued;
- no parties/BBQs/picnics or-the-like are allowed at this time;
- visits to family members are now allowed outside of curfew hours only; (MAKE NOTE OF THE HOURS OUTLINED ABOVE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS AS THOSE HOURS DIFFER)
While Belize is one of only 12 countries in the world who are free of COVID-19, authority figures plead with the public to adhere to the regulations set in place, to continue wearing masks in public, and to practice social distancing.
The full updated Statutory Instrument No 72 of 2020 can be read here.
