The purpose of today's press conference was for the Police Commissioner to once again warn the general public not to throw or participate in any Easter parties or social events with persons outside of your IMMEDIATE household. The COVID regulations make it illegal for social gatherings of more than 10 people, but they are also specific that you cannot socialize with anyone who does not live in the same house as you. That's part of the strategy to keep COVID infections low, but 3 weeks ago, the Commissioner sent out a press release to put the public on notice that they have learned about advertisements for major social events planned for the Easter Weekend.
Today, the police commissioner stressed that the currently low COVID infection numbers should not cause Belizeans to become complacent and risk a third wave:
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"As a department, we are a bit concerned over the amount of advertisement we're seeing for this Easter Weekend, where different business establishments, as well as private individuals, are advertising different activities or events that they will be having over the holidays. So, we just want to remind the general public that we're still in a state of a pandemic, and we do have Statutory Instrument #9 of 2021, which outlined the different protocols as it relates to the COVID-19 prevent regulations. And so, particularly, I want to draw the attention of the public to Regulation 9, which speaks to the restriction against social events, social gatherings, and even recreational activities. And so, while yes, you're free to go to the beaches over the holidays, you must bear in mind that you cannot go to the beach and socialize. If it is that you're going to have a private party or social activity at your home, then you cannot invite anybody from outside your household. So, while you can have something within the confines of your home, the minute you introduce somebody from outside your immediate household to that event, then it becomes an illegal activity. And so, the police will be out in full force to ensure that there is compliance with the regulation. And we also want to, again, remind the public that we do have the 0800 Parties number that they can still call. If it is that your neighbor has a party and did not invite you, and you're upset over them having that party, let us know. We'll be happy to join that party on your behalf."
When the press asked for a clarification of what types of social gatherings are allowed, he said that more than 10 people can congregate, but they must be living in the same house. He also added that even if you are having a few Easter drinks with your friend in a gathering of only 2, you're still breaking the law because the two people are from different households:
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"If it is that you are in a group of your own immediate family members, meaning persons who reside in the same household as you, you can have up to 20 because you're from the same household. If you are in a group and it is 3 or 4 persons, if one of those persons is not from your household, you are in violation. Remember, the regulation says that you cannot be in any gathering which includes any person from outside your immediate household. And this what people need to understand. Some might say, okay, we're gonna stay at a hotel. This group is going to stay in one room. That group will stay in another room, and later on, they congregate in one room, and have an event, or even within the compound of the hotel, that is illegal. It goes strictly against the grain of the regulation."
His press release from today says, quote, "As we approach the Easter holiday, we are seeing a number of advertisements promoting social events having the potential of drawing mass gatherings all over the country and in particular within the Coastal Communities Anyone found in violation of these regulations will be dealt with to the full extent of the law." End quote.
