But back to the new regulations, one of the biggest issues Belizeans had was with the exception of the tourism hubs. Many locals felt as though tourists are being afforded privileges that they aren't - and saw the move as unfair and in the interest of money rather than health. Today, we asked the head table whether this decision was backed up by the medical science.
Dr. Deysi Mendez - CEO, MOHW
"I think you can see that the economic recovery hasn't been focused only on the economy but also looking at the health factors and the decision, we have to look into the social benefit and good for the people that we serve and so far the response in managing the pandemic with the tourism is positive and it's working, hence we cannot have the scenario is not similar country wide. The implication of the new regulation is where much attention and much control is needed so that we can preserve lives and we can better respond to the pandemic."
Reporter
"Was it the task force that recommended that these tourists be exempted from the new regulation because wouldn't that be counter productive because then what might happen, these areas might become covid hot spots because Belizeas who are running away from regulations might run to these areas taking the virus with them."
Dr. Julio Sabido - Representative, MOHW
"So the answer is no, it was not the medical response team that made those recommendations."
Dr Marcelo Coyi, who was also at the head table, noted that tourists in these areas have already tested negative before arrival in Belize and so they are less likely to spread the virus.
