Most COVID-19 restrictions now lifted; new statutory instrument addresses self-testing

Published by BBNTEAM at July 13, 2022

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Posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2022. 7:37 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Health and Wellness has assumed powers of regulation over testing for COVID-19 by approved institutions as well as self-testing kits imported for personal or commercial usage.

The new Statutory Instrument 100 of 2022, in effect since Tuesday, only allows importation and usage subject to approval from the Ministry in writing of a permit to import which must be presented at Customs. Contravention will mean the items are forfeit, confiscated, and the importer is subject to a fine on conviction.

Self-testing kits must have been approved by any of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA); European Medicines Agency (EMA); or World Health Organization (WHO). Kits and equipment successfully imported must be validated by the Ministry at least seven days after importation by application.

The following institutions are permitted to test officially for purposes of employment or claims for sickness benefits: Archangel Medical Center; Belize Diagnostic Center; Belize Healthcare Partners; Belize Medical Associates; Belize Pro Lab; Belize Specialists Hospital, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center; Belmopan Medical Centre; Buttonwood Bay Medical Centre; Caring Hands Clinic; Dangriga Medical Laboratory; Dr. D’s Clinic; Hummingbird Health Clinic; Northern Medical Specialty Plaza; San Carlos Medical Center; San Pedro Urgent Care; Southern Clinical Laboratory; and St. Luke Hospital.

Every owner or operator of a medical institution, who desires to conduct testing for SARS-CoV2, shall apply to the Ministry responsible for health for approval to conduct testing, but only results from the above may be used to satisfy claims for purposes of employment or sickness benefits.

It remains an offence to possess a non-genuine COVID vaccination card.

All other restrictions related to travel and other COVID-19-related issues are lifted, as the previous SI, Number 61 of 2022, has been repealed.

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