Commissioner of Police breaks down new State of Emergency regulations

By BBN Staff: As announced by the Attorney General last night, there are revised State of Emergency regulations in place, and Commissioner of Police Chester William’s took the time this morning to detail those regulations.

Williams took to Facebook this morning, explaining that Statutory Instrument 121/20 came into effect as of midnight last night, which retained the total lockdown of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, as well as Santa Martha, Shipyard and Guinea Grass in Orange Walk.

Under the current measures those areas in lockdown are subject to a 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew daily, with no variations for weekends. Children all not allowed to be in any public place after 6pm unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Meanwhile, construction work is not permitted and no one is allowed to move in or out of the respective communities except for emergency reasons approved by the Ministers of Health and National Security.

There are a number of businesses allowed to open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. within the lockdown areas, those include: gas stations; pharmacies; supermarket, convenient store, markets and stores; fuel and LPG depots; street vendors (provided that they operate for take out only).

A number of businesses are also allowed to operate on a 24-hour basis within the lockdown areas, which include: mills, Port operation, Banana, sugar and citrus factories.

“Within the lock down areas movement is restricted to one of the purposes listed above,” Williams said.

For the rest of the country (the areas apart from those in lockdown) the curfew lasts from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. of each day, with no variations for weekends, and minors should not be out after 6 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult.

Restaurants are now closed for inside dining, while street vending is now only permitted for take out and vendors must do so from their yard or an open space. Barber Shops and Spas are now open to appointments only, while the following businesses shall remain closed:
gymnasium, bars, night clubs, discotheque, gaming house and casinos.

The businesses that are allowed to open on a 24-hour basis remain the same as those within the lockdown areas.

Throughout the entire country, including the lock down areas, movements during curfew will not apply to essential workers in the execution of their duties, or for a medical emergency. Everyone must wear a mask covering their mouth and nose when in any public place or space; however, a child 6 years and under is not required to wear a mask. No more than 10 people are allowed to gather at a time.

“Establishment owners, bus and boat operators are to ensure that anyone who comes on their establishment, boat or public transportation wears a mask for the duration of their stay on any such establishment, boat or public transport,” Williams added. “Everyone must exercise a social distancing of 6ft or more. If you are in your yard with people from your household you will not be required to practice social distance. No one shall attend any social gathering where persons from outside their immediate household are invited.”

The border and all ports of entry into and exit the country shall remain closed except for cargo shipment, air cargo, repatriation of Belizeans and persons going for or returning from seeking emergency medical service abroad.

He concluded by appealing to Belizeans to adhere to the regulations, as they are for the protection of everyone.

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