Belize, known to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean has taken the lead among countries in the Caribbean to drop its outdoor mask mandate and its nightly curfew, as it opens back up its economy to tourism amid hopes that the Omicron wave has already surpassed its peak and is slowly dwindling away.
The announcement which was made by the Ministry of Health and Wellness came into effect on Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 by way of SI 32 of 2022. The regulations can be found at https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SI-No-36-of-2022-Public-Health.pdf. The details of the SI noted that the nightly curfew have been thrown out while persons are no longer being required to use mask outdoors while driving alone, with members of the same family, or while at a private residence .
However, you might still want to walk around with a face mask in your bag since they are still being required to be worn when using any mode of public transportation, whether it be buses, airplanes, or water taxis. Mask is also still being required to be worn when entering any government building, statutory bodies, or stores. Mask is also mandatory when attending any social events, churches, weddings, celebrations, or funerals.
Under the new regulations, social distancing is still required in any outdoor space, while house parties and concerts, weddings, and other social events can be hosted, provided that all guests are fully vaccinated.
Additionally, tourists who are only planning to spend a day in the country will not be required to purchase the Belize Travel Health Insurance. Vaccinated travelers are no longer required to provide a PCR test when entering the country, only those that are not inoculated will be required to undergo a PCR test at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) or at any of the border entry points.
Prime Minister John Briceno in announcing the latest changes quoted, ”The Cabinet has decided that the time has come to restore personal and economic freedoms while encouraging everyone to act responsibly.” He went on to further confirm that the Ministry of Health will also be lifting all other remaining regulations such as the ban on nightclubs, during the month of March, as the country moves toward normalcy on April 1st, 2022. The PM ended by urging all Belizeans to get vaccinated, and if not yet boosted, to do so.
As Belize sets its best foot forward to bolster tourism and gets the economy back on track the destination has once more seen an uptick of arrivals at the PGIA as visitors flock to the jewel to experience what life was like before the pandemic. If you would like to be in on the action then we at Uncharted Jewel Belize can provide you with an experienced guide and shuttle you to your destination of choice without having to worry about anything.
Apart from being known to be affordable, we are a well known and locally owned tour company that provides our guests with the opportunity to experience Belize’s wild side, such as excursions that take you on some of Belize’s rugged terrain, ziplining across the thick Belizean canopy, to rappelling down some of the most natural waterfall systems and trekking along the jungle under the watchful eyes of the howler monkeys, and jaguars.
We offer tours that provide you with the opportunity to experience underwater adventures, underworld cave systems used by the ancient Mayas, jungle expeditions, site visits to any of the Maya ruins in the country, and even tours of wildlife sanctuaries around the country.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at +501-614-7869 and let us take you on a journey to discover the wild beauty of Belize.