Belmopan. August 3, 2020. 8:00 p.m.
As part of the Ministry of Health’s enhanced surveillance, nine total COVID-19 cases were recorded over the weekend. A record number of eight cases were recorded on August 1, 2020. Another positive case was recorded on August 2, 2020. The breakdown of the cases is as follows.
Three cases are in the Central Health Region. Of these, two are from the repatriation flight from the United States and one is from the repatriation flight from Honduras. These persons are asymptomatic and are in hotel quarantine.
Five cases are in the Northern Health Region. Three of these cases are in Corozal Town. Two persons are asymptomatic and came in through the Mexican border as part of the repatriation process and are presently in hotel quarantine. The third case is a female with respiratory symptoms and is currently hospitalized; this person has no travel history and to the best of her knowledge has not been in contact with any known COVID-19 case. The contact tracing for this case is ongoing with close contacts identified and samples taken. There are two cases in Orange Walk Town. One of these persons entered the country illegally. This person is asymptomatic and is being held at a quarantine facility. The second case has no travel history, nor does he recall having been in contact with any known COVID-19 case. This person is hospitalized with symptoms and contact tracing for this case is ongoing. There is a possible link to the sale of goods from the Mexican side.
On August 2, 2020, a highly suspect sample was processed from Ambergris Caye and confirmed later that evening as positive case number 57. This case is a female who presented a fever and respiratory symptoms and is currently asymptomatic. This female has indicated no travel history and contact tracing for possible source of the infection is currently underway.
Three of the nine total cases reported over the weekend have been prioritized for in-depth investigations because the individuals cannot recall being in contact with persons outside of Belize.
An update on all nine COVID-19 cases will be shared tomorrow, August 4th, at 10:00 a.m. during a live virtual press conference via the Government of Belize Press Office Facebook page.
The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to wash hands regularly, properly wear a face mask at all times when in a public setting and maintain physical distancing. Avoid crowds and stay home as much as possible. Persons with health inquiries can contact the hotline at 0-800-MOH-CARE.
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