As announced by the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, on April 10th, 2020, a countrywide lockdown has been implemented in response to COVID-19 through a Statutory Instrument effective as of Saturday, April 11th, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.
The Statutory Instrument provides for further amendment to the Emergency Powers regulations and offers additional measures to protect the citizens of Belize.
The two main changes include specific restrictions on movement and further reduced hours of operation for some businesses.
Below is a summary of Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2020:
The entire country of Belize is on lock down for 14 days.
The curfew remains in effect from 8:00 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. and for children from 6:00 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.
Movements which are allowed including operations of businesses:
People are permitted to move between the hours indicated and for the sole purposes of:
1. Food and medicine (essential needs):
a. Convenience stores, food stores, supermarkets, meat shops, butchers, (excluding potable water) and food can operate from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (movement is for purchase of food and essentials).
b. Markets: 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
c. Pharmacies: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
d. Bakeries and tortilla factories: 5:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2. Fuel (fuel stations, depots, including LPG suppliers, depots and distributors) 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
3. Financial institutions (banks, credit unions, ATMs) 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon
4. Exercise (jogging, walking or running, only, during hours of 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.) (no cycling)
5. Veterinary and medical emergencies 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
6. If you are a caregiver or an essential worker going to and from work
7. Services by waste disposal and sanitation companies and auxiliary personnel
8. Maintenance and housekeeping by hotel, villa or other accommodation service personnel
