While the government hasn't made a decision on Guatemalans as yet, Cabinet has decided that students who are studying in Mexico and Guatemala won't have to pay for COVID tests when they come into the country. Of course, they'll be required to show a student ID for verification.
And the students in Guatemala who study here in Belize will also get a free pass. While there are no set regulations yet concerning them, the PM says they're working on it.
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"First of all, we need to understand as to why that decision was made. It's simply because we in the ministry of health did not have the necessary hands and our doctors and nurses ad technicians are stretched thin and they are tired and so it was best that that be privatized and it be closely regulated by the ministry of health. Now that the opening of the borders, we have decided that our students can go across the border and if a test has to be done, that is going to be free of cost. Obviously what we will do, we will work out an arrangement with the people that offer the service and it will be at the cost of the test itself. We are not going to allow and I don't think they will even ask to want to make a profit on that so that is one thing. Also, we also have to say the children across that want to come to school. Now, I mean, again, we are saying let's open up, let these kids come to school, without having to require a test."
Reporter
"Belizeans were complaining when they go into Guatemala, they have to pay 300 quetzal for their test but Guatemala is saying we'll remove our test for Belizeans who want to stay the day if Belize does the same. Is this something you're looking at?"
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I was not aware that Guatemala was saying."
Jules Vasquez:
"Breaking news from Melchor, they just said that."
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"It is something worth taking a look at that if they are doing away with the charge then we are certain that we can also take a look at removing the charge. Mind you, that all we're trying to do is protect our citizens which is to us the most important thing."
