The Belize government last Tuesday announced a further relaxation of national curfew time, as well as relaxed mask mandates for open-air moving vehicles like golf carts and motorcycles. Effective May 18, Belize’s national curfew from Thursday to Sunday will run from midnight to 5:00 am, while Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday’s curfew run from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. With the latest Statutory Instrument No.54, COVID-19-related restrictions remain largely unchanged in Belize, with the exception of measures extended for an additional 30 days. However, the Government of Belize has now made face masks optional while driving open-air vehicles like golf carts, motorcycles, etc.
Caye Caulker, Belize. Image by Globe Guide CA
Businesses and facilities, including restaurants, gymnasiums, fitness centers, churches, casinos, gaming establishments, and personal grooming services, either operate at reduced capacity and/or are subject to health protocols. All bars, rum shops, discotheques, and nightclubs remain closed in Belize. Schools have been given the green light to open in phases, but may choose to operate online under a “gradual normalization.”
Being COVID-19 Safe in Belize
During these times, The CDC indicates that Belize is open for travel at a “Level 2 Travel Health Notice.” Travelers to Belize must test negative for COVID-19 before arrival, or present immunization/vaccination records to bypass testing. All travelers returning to the U.S. must have a negative COVID-19 test done in Belize, per new CDC requirements. Find a testing center near you in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Placencia, Hopkins, Dangriga, San Ignacio, and Belize City with CDC-compliant, and FDA-approved results in as little as 15 minutes, thanks to Caring Hands Clinic.
Additionally, Belize continues to slowly near its COVID-19 vaccine goal, reporting 5 new infections on average each day. As of May 19, approximately 56,719 persons have been vaccinated in Belize, with 9,668 of that figure being fully vaccinated (both shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine).
Header image shows local Ambergris Caye hangout up north: Belize’s first shipping container food truck park. Photo courtesy of the property: The Truck Stop.
