By Jem Smith
A new Statutory Instrument (SI) came into effect on Monday, June 14. SI No. 66 of 2021, Regulations made by the Minister of Health and Wellness by section 82A of the Public Health Act, made slight changes in curfew hours. Public Health (Prevention of the Spread of Infectious Disease) (COVID-19) says, “For the purposes of preventing, controlling, containing and suppressing the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19”, that a curfew is imposed. The latest SI makes for the provision of that curfew for a 30-day period, effective June 14. It states that curfew hours exist from Sunday to Wednesday between 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., instead of 5:00 a.m. Similarly, the curfew has also been reduced Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 midnight to 4:00 a.m.
Belizeans can now be out an hour earlier than previous months but the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) reminds us that we cannot let our guards down as yet. Many countries have reported second and third waves of the disease and we are not exempted from that possibility. As a result, the onus is on us to maintain social distancing, practice safe hygiene and to get vaccinated.
