Last night, we told you that the COVID numbers were at the highest they have been since September, with 69 new cases. As the Christmas season approaches, and with families and friends planning to gather together, is there the possibility of a new COVID wave?
Well, the Minister of Health doesn't think so. He explained that there isn't cause for concern yet, but encouraged those who are feeling ill to take a COVID test, and - if you want to - wear a mask.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health
"We have to remember that COVID is here and while 69 may be a significant jump indeed, there is surveillance being done and we continuously want to encourage people that if you feel ill, come and get tested because that's the only way we will really get to know where we stand. The numbers had dropped all the way down to I think 16 at one point and now we had that increase last night, yes. As you know there has been a lot of activities happening now and there's a lot of people moving closely together, having major big functions and that could be a reason why there is the increase. I have not gotten any indication from the surveillance team that they suspect a major wave or a huge spike but we must understand that we live in a system where COVID is around us and it exists. Now if it provides, in terms of the effects, it's still minimal, that's one reason we believe that many of the people are still not going to get tested so those who are being tested are the ones who really reach to the facilities but we want to encourage people if you feel ill, and you feel like you have symptoms, go and get tested just to give us assurances but as I said, we have not gotten indication that they're suspecting any spike."
Courtney Menzies:
"Sir, we know though that hospitalizations in certain US states have gone up by like 25% and the CDC is now recommending that people wear masks over the Christmas vacation. Is this something that you also will recommend for the Belizean people?"
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health
"I have not met with the technical people that would advise me on what we should do, we of course always follow guidelines sent through the region. I'm not sure that masks will be something that we will quickly jump on and say you need to use masks, but if you want to use masks, wear your masks. I wear my mask, I do so to protect myself, to protect my child, to protect my wife, and my family. So it is upon us as well as individuals to know if you feel ill, then wear a mask. I'm not saying that is something we are going to put mandatory for the Belizean people."
A correction to last night's story - the daily infectivity was 3.71%, not 11% - which is the cumulative infection rate.
