There is concern about the reopening since the new strain of coronavirus has been detected in Mexico. At its press conference today the UDP Leader and Deputy Leader said that there are major concerns about opening the Zone:
Hon. Patrick Faber - Leader of the Opposition "There are major concerns that the people of this country have. I would imagine the people in the north especially and we have not heard the details of what security measures, safety measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of our people. We are told that over 1,000 Belizean workers will return to the Free zone and they made the point that it is less because it was at one point 3,000 people but there is no concrete plan, nothing has been shared with us and we are within days of the reopening of that free zone and if that is the case, there is going to be a serious outbreak of COVID19."
Hon. Hugo Patt - Area Rep, Corozal North "It is not that we are opposed to the opening of the free zone, coming from the extreme north bordering Mexico, it is a concern for all of us. When you look at the numbers and those of us who follow the Mexican media and who follow the statistics that is happening particularly in Othon P. Blanco, it is being classified whenever the state of Quintana Roo is releasing their figures, Chetumal is part of Othon P. Blanco, as a matter of fact just last night, it was indicated that in terms of the health system, it has reached maximum capacity as it pertains to COVID19 patients. So, when you look at what is happening there and the decision taken by this administration to open the Free zone, you have to have an idea of what exactly it is that you are doing. While we're encouraged, we are much of the view that we have to open the free zone but at the same time, how is that as an administration, we're going to address the safety of these people who are employed at the free zone."
