Ministry of Health and Wellness concerned about rapid increase in COVID-19 cases

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Today, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) said that it is concerned due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases being reported.

Data from the Ministry shows that for the past 2 weeks there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases, from 69 cases reported over a seven-day period in the first week of December 2022 to 271 cases reported between December 19 and 27.

According to the Ministry, the projections from the Epidemiology Unit show a rise in cases into the new year, with a peak by mid-January.

In addition, there is also an increase in flu cases.

Belize health officials say they are also concerned about mutations of the virus especially since the virus is circulating fast.

“Currently, China is experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 infections, with up to 32,000 cases per day and an average of 93 deaths per day, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. It is known that when a virus is circulating as fast and as widely as this is, there is a concern for mutations of the virus,” the Ministry said.

Most of the cases being reported is in the Belize District.

The Ministry is urging everyone to adhere to public health measures since there is a possibility of hospitalized cases overloading the health system.

It is flu season and the public is also urged to get the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is part of the regular schedule of vaccines for children below five years of age, as well as the rest of the population.

The following preventative measures should be in place to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and other respiratory viruses:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water
2. Sanitize hands regularly if not able to wash
3. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands
4. Keep common surface areas (such as door knobs and countertops) clean and disinfected
5. If you are ill, limit contact with others as much as possible
6. Use a mask in enclosed places and social distance where needed
7. Avoid crowded places whenever possible
8. Visit your nearest health center if you are developing any flu-like symptoms. If symptoms continue or become more severe, visit your nearest health facility.

The elderly population and persons with medical conditions that can contribute to the severity of the flu should also get the flu vaccine.

The public is urged to get the COVID-19 booster shots or get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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