And while the recent low COVID numbers sound like a dream to most Belizeans, one COVID positive patient is skeptic.
Former Director of the Press Office under the UDP, Dorian Pakeman was diagnosed with the virus about two weeks ago, but he says he doesn't think the numbers being reported reflect the true number of COVID patients in Belize. He deduced this based on his own experience, and shared with us his observation via zoom.
Dorian Pakeman, Covid-19 Patient
"I tested on February 4th after 4pm and I got my results close to 5pm. Shortly after I got my results, the daily infographic had come out for that day. I'm reliably informed that the cut off period for the numbers for the positive tests for the infographic is 1pm every day, so I figured well my test would be reflected in the infographic the following day on February 5th. When I look at that infographic there are only 5 confirmed cases for that day, none of which were in Belize City. So clearly, my positive test wasn't reflected in that. So my question is are the private medical facilities reporting their positive tests to the ministry of health and wellness or is it solely test that they conduct? I know a few people who have been diagnosed with Covid based on going to private medical facilities and doing the rapid test on their own. So those numbers aren't reflected in the daily numbers and then we are looking at I believe the numbers for yesterday were less than 200 active cases. There is no way in the world its less than 200 active cases."
"I mean my one wasn't even reported. In December alone we had over 100 deaths, so what I am questioning is why are we not getting an accurate depiction of what's actually happening in Belize with Covid19. Is it for political mileage so that this administration can say we are the ones that took over and we've gotten a whole on Covid? We know that's not true, because they presided over the deadliest months of Covid in Belizean history in November and December which was the deadliest months. I feel like there is a false sense on security and people have gotten lax, because we are seeing a rapid decline in numbers. If you look at the recoveries daily the recoveries exceed the number of cases being diagnose everyday. At that rate within 2 weeks we are going to have negative number of cases in Belize, because we are seeing more recoveries and the recoveries are based on the 14 days time period, so you don't require a negative test to be deem recovered. Technically by the ministry of health and wellness standards I am recovered from Cpvid19."
Since Pakeman contracted COVID while he was visiting the US, he was monitored closely by Dr Hidalgo to ensure that the virus was not one of the mutated strains. He adds that he also received assistance from Dr Manzanero who has also battled against the virus.
