The Cabinet of Belize has supported recommendations resulting from a National Oversight Committee meeting held on Monday, June 8th; Belize will now see further ease of the lockdown restrictions put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Increases in Social Gatherings
Though there has been no sign of community transmission of COVID-19 for over 50 days, the Government of Belize continues to take a phased and balanced approach to reopen. However, Belize’s new ease of restrictions will allow more people to return to work and more businesses to open. The number of persons allowed for social gatherings will increase from 40 to 100. Private parties, weddings, funerals, receptions, meetings of fraternal societies, social clubs, or civic associations or organizations can be held following social distancing protocols.
Changes to National Curfew
Curfew hours have been shortened to 10:00 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. Sundays to Thursdays and midnight to 4:59 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Prohibitions on the use of parks and playgrounds will be lifted and recreational contact sports such as volleyball, basketball, and football will be allowed. Gymnasiums and spas will be allowed to open.
Belize’s State of Emergency
The new statutory instrument reflecting these new measures is expected to come into force effective Friday, June 12, 2020. Additionally, Belize’s state of emergency will expire on June 30, 2020, and is not expected to be extended.
