It has been seven days since the declaration of a State of Public Emergency for the island of Ambergris Caye after the confirmation of two cases of Covid-19 on the island. The tourism hub of Belize, a vibrant municipality directly supported by fishing, recreational boating, and maritime activities has come to a complete halt. The only movement at sea is the Belize Coast Guard.
A fleet of enforcement vessels forms a cordon around the 25 mile long island enforcing a prohibition of sailing in support of the State of Public Emergency that was declared by Statutory Instrument # 36 of 2020. The declaration prohibits the movement of people from entering or leaving Ambergris Caye.
The Coast Guard was tasked with enforcing those laws and has since then deployed a fleet capable of enforcing these regulations in support of the Ministry of Health’s team that are conducting the Covid-19 mapping exercise of the Island. The men and women of the Belize Coast Guard understand the importance of this task and are enthusiastically performing this crucial mission in support of the Covid-19 National Task Force. We are here to serve the nation.
We are grateful for the cooperation of the San Pedro community. Your support in this national effort is crucial in containing the virus. It is 85 °F outside and the wind is blowing east at 17 mph. Stay at home.