But what the Prime Minister does have to think about is the runaway train of COVID 19 infections. Belize now has the most active cases in the Caribbean and our number of cases per capita is the 39th highest in the world.
Since mid November cases have been climbing at an alarming rate. So what's the government going to do about it? Is there a lockdown coming? Here's what the Prime Minister told CTV-3 today in Corozal:
Reporter
"This weekend was a very heavy one for Belizeans with numerous deaths. Seven in one day including two doctors from Cayo. The state of mind in terms of the urgency of getting this COVID-19 pandemic under control."
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"It's a matter of testing and ensuring that we can find that we can identify people when they are sick early enough so that they do not get other people sick. That is a part of what we did as I announced in the national assembly. We are also looking at encouraging sick people to stay home and the government, if necessary, will provide them with groceries to eat even if we have to come up with a small stipend despite the fact that there is not much financing that we have to have every effort to encourage people to stay home. Tomorrow the technical people from the ministry of health, the doctors are going to make a presentation with another set of recommendations as to what we are going on our way forward."
Reporter
"Is a lockdown being ruled out?"
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"No, nothing is being ruled out. Everything is on the table. We have to make sure that we can flatten that curve as quickly as possible. I think our Belizeans are finally understanding how deadly COVID-19 is. I appeal to Belizeans, please be careful. We are coming to Christmas and the new year's. I know those are two very important dates, not only is it when we celebrate the birth of our savior, the next one is the beginning of the new year. This is one time I am asking Belizeans to stay home within your bubble and celebrate with your bubble. Don't go out and have parties, please be safe and stay safe."
