And in health news, we've seen a steady rise in the COVID numbers as the fourth wave continues to wash over Belize. But the Omicron BA.2 variant - according to the data so far - is not nearly as deadly as the alpha and delta variants which preceded it.
Of course, part of the reason is that 50% of the total population has been vaccinated. And that number is about to go up even more because on Saturday, Belize will be getting a shipment of the paediatric Pfizer - suitable for kids ages 5 to 11. And according to Dr Natalia Beer from the Maternal and Child Health Unit at the Ministry of Health, they're the most vulnerable population right now since they're the ones who, up to now, haven't been able to get immunized.
Additionally, well-known paediatrician, Dr Cecilio Eck, noted that children are more susceptible to this variant of the virus.
But come Monday, you'll be able to vaccinate your kids. Here's what the two doctors told us today:
Dr. Natalia Beer - Technical Advisor, MCH, MOH
"We are privileged to be recipients of a donation from the government of Slovakia and we are receiving 124,800 of Pfizer pediatric formulation and the cost of each dose is 20.87 US dollars. The amount that we will be receiving on Saturday represents enough to cover the first dose and second dose for 85% of the 73,119 kids 5-11 years. Since we've received the confirmation of the donation, then we started to work with the district education centre and the MOHW and it's team in the districts, reaching out to the principals, to the teachers, to the parents because every parent should receive information to afford them the opportunity to ask their questions before signing the consent form, which is a requirement. We haven't heard or received any negative response from the education sector."
Dr. Cecilio Eck - Paediatrician
"Even though we're changing to fight the virus, the virus is also changing to stay alive. The newer one is much more infectious and yes, more kids are getting it but looking at the data, it is milder and they get over it with fewer symptoms but as doc said quite rightly, it's very unpredictable. My phone has been ringing since last year from December when it was approved, everybody has been calling me, asking when will it be available in Belize, I want my kids to get it, I have a family member who died or a family member who has suffered tremendously from COVID 19 and I want to protect my kids. Since this week, it has been ringing incessantly. They've been asking, when is it going to be available, when can my kid get it."
The vaccinations will be available at schools across the country or at any vaccination site - again on Saturday.
Dr Beer also emphasized that the paediatric Pfizer has an orange cap, so look out for that when taking your children to get vaccinated.
