The press also asked the Health Minister for a comment on the stricter COVID-19 measures which the US Government has implemented since President Joe Biden took office. As we've reported, travellers to the USA now have to arrive with a negative Covid test, and it is recommended that they quarantine for 7 days upon arrival in the states.
It's a difference maker for Belize and other countries which depend on US tourism because stricter measures could be a deal breaker for travellers contemplating a vacation to sunny Belize.
Chebat told the press that the government is monitoring the situation:
Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness
"Well I think those are important and I think what you are seeing in the United States is kind of opposite to where we were. They are now going to go where we have been for the last few months and I think the measures they are implementing is really to safeguard the American population. From us, from a country point of view it affect us because of the potential amount of tourist who can come to Belize and so what we've done at the ministry of health and wellness is that we have now expanded the testing services to accomodate travellers so that anyone who wants to come to Belize will be readily able to get a test to return."
Reporter
"Looking at the whole issue with this new strain of the virus from the UK. We know that Mexico has recorded some of that strain there. In Belize I am not sure we are testing for that strain as yet. Can you comment on that?"
Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness
"That strain is of concern to us and we are looking at it very closely because we are concerned about a third wave in Belize. And yes we have sent out swabs to be tested, we have partner in Texas who are assisting to identify whether or not that strain has actually reach Belize or not."
