Ministry of Health advises public to remain vigilant despite WHO declaring COVID-19 pandemic over

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is advising the public to remain vigilant despite the World Health Organization declaring the COVID-19 pandemic over. WHO’s Director-General announced yesterday that the pandemic was no longer a “global health emergency” or a public health emergency of international concern. The decision was supported based on the fact that there is a decline in the number of COVID-19 deaths and persons being severely affected and requiring hospitalization, and the high level of the population with immunity to SARS-CoV-2 from either infection, vaccine, or both. Despite the declaration, the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) advises that the virus and its variants continue to circulate in Belize. The ministry reiterates that good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded places when sick with respiratory symptoms, remain the best methods to stay free of COVID-19 and other infections.