But, before the vaccine arrives, Belizean turning to a drug typically used to kill head lice to treat COVID 19 patients.
Ivermectin - typically used to treat all types of parasite infections - is being globally recognised as a drug that may be effective for the treatment of early-onset mild Covid-19 in adult patients.
The acting DHS explained how it is being used in Belize:
Dr. Melissa Diaz, Acting Director of Health Services
"We have recently placed Ivermectin as well as Convalescent plasma on our protocol and this has been done because there is evidence, it's not necessarily studies done here locally, but we do know that worldwide a lot of countries have actually done a lot of research and studies into Ivermectin and it has been placed in the protocols for many countries including the United States as well. It is an off-licensed drug, so that's important. It is not licensed for the use of Covid19, but research and articles have shown that it has improved both moderate, mild and severe care and for that reason our Covid medical response group met and we made a decision to place it on our protocols starting from last week and we have procured the medication as well."
"We are in discussion to start doing this research, we know certain parts of the country it has been use a bit more than others, so we can definitely retrospectively look at the persons who have started Ivermectin and actually do our own research in country top determine whether or not it was effective or it is effective."
Reporter
"This is on a voluntary basis?"
Dr. Melissa Diaz
"Well its not mandatory, but it has to be given by a prescription. You should not go out and purchase Ivermectin on your own and before you are given it you would be explain by the medical practitioner or the person prescribing exactly what the use of the medication is and how it works and what the contra-indications are."
