And while Ramirez is recovering from that major blunder, Director of Health services, Dr Marvin Manzanero is also still in recovery mode after contracting COVID-19. It's been a gruelling three weeks for the man who has been the face of Belize's fight against the virus, but that face is now looking quite the worse for wear.
As Dr Manza said in a Facebook post last Thursday: he had to spend 6 days in the isolation unit and lost 19 pounds in one week. He said that it is as if he is just learning to walk again since the virus took its toll on him physically, as well as mentally. There were times when even he believed that he would not make it.
Now, the Good Doctor is slowly recovering and gave his first post-COVID interview to BEL for their 2020 Community Spotlight Award. Dr Manza noted that Belize is entering its tenth month with the virus, and continued to advise Belizeans to follow regulations in place.
Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services
"We in Belize are now going into our 10th month since our first case and now any new case and death that occur takes a toll on all of us. Covid19 is proven to be unpredictable and unforgiven in many aspects. As we learn of evolving and expected mutations we are reminded as a community we must continue to remain cautious, vigilant and at all times be mindful of the key messages such as physical distancing, wearing a mask properly, proper hand washing and avoid the touching of our faces. While vaccines do bring a glimmer of hope for all of us we have to learn to live with Covid19. From a personal standpoint I am still very much in the slow recovery process of Covid19. I can say that I am forever thankful for all the messages, prayers, thoughts and ongoing support that continue to be sent my way. It certainly helps. Covid19 I can tell you has taken a physical and mental and emotional toll on me and continues to be a daily struggle. I am hopeful that together we all will overcome this in Belize. I really do want to wish that everybody remains safe. I really do wish that nobody has to go through what I have been through. I want to make a call to everybody to just stay safe, do take care of your love ones and do give them all the support that they need because this is surely a long battle that will have to undertake and continue to undertake as we move along into 2021."
Despite meticulously abiding by the safety protocols, Dr Manza confirmed that he contracted the virus on December 8.
