Coronavirus in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

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Mar 25, 2020 Update

We Asked: What is currently happening with regard to the Coronavirus outbreak in your area? Please provide as much detail as possible. He replied...

1st case confirmed very mild we are on complete quarantine and almost all Belizeans are adhering to the rules; however, we have young people who think it does not apply to them. They think they privileged. Our EOC (Emergency Office Center) manned by all the health and department heads and great volunteers are working around the clock to minimize the spread - a truly combined effort. Ambergris Caye is taking it seriously. We wish the rest of the world blessings in their dealings with the tough fallout that is surely following.

How People are Coping

We Asked: How are people handling the situation in your area? He replied...

In the main adhering to the laws

Changing Conditions as coronavirus Spreads

We Asked: How has the situation changed as the Coronavirus has spread? He replied...

To early to comment

Government Response

We Asked: Describe how the government of the country about which you are reporting is handling this situation. He replied...

Doing a good job of information and preparing for the financial aid which will be required.

Government Response with Regard to Expats

We Asked: Describe how your home country's government has handled the outbreak situation with regards to its expatriate citizens. He replied...

The UK has been proactive in as much as financial aid and military aid through a detachment of UK forces. And great ongoing country services provided through the British consul.

Supplies and Shortages

We Asked: Is there a shortage of supplies in your location? He replied...

Not yet

Preparing for the Future

We Asked: What are you doing in terms of preparations in case the situation deteriorates in your location? He replied...

We have prepared as if it were hurricane season only early and can self sustain for a couple of months.

Lockdown & Passing the Time

We Asked: Are you staying home? If so, how are you passing the time? He replied...

My wife is beating me at dominoes. I'm considering getting a virtual chess game and bridge game going. Books, board games and gardening.

Public Healthcare & Public Hospitals

We Asked: Are you enrolled in the public healthcare system where you live? Do you feel that the public hospitals are handling or preparing for the Coronavirus outbreak effectively? He replied...

They are not equipped on our island 100%, but we have great health care professionals and we have the ability to medivac to the mainland. We have set up an intensive care quarantine clinic.

Private Health Insurance & Private Hospitals

We Asked: Do you have private health insurance? If you have private insurance, does this give you access to private hospitals? Are private hospitals or clinics better prepared, less prepared, or the same? Please explain. He replied...

Yes and yes. We have government hospitals and clinics - also private hospitals and clinics. They work closely with one an other.

Hospital of Choice for Coronavirus Treatment

We Asked: Would you choose a public or private hospital if you needed treatment for Coronavirus? Why? If there is a specific hospital that you would go to in the event of severe illness? Which hospital and why? He replied...

Private as I have private insurance.

Returning Home

We Asked: Are you considering returning to your home country due to the Coronavirus? Would this be a temporary move or a permanent repatriation? Please explain. He replied...

No I will stay put we have a better chance of getting through this here as long as all islanders take it seriously and continue to adhere to the emergency laws.

Advice for People Outside of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

We Asked: If you live in an area already heavily affected by coronavirus, what advice would you share with others elswhere in the world who may be facing the same challenges in the future. He replied...

We are not in this position but I would point out we have an opportunity to contain this with public buy in.