The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced the start of a vaccination program that gives priority to tourism sector front-line workers.  On March 30, 2021 the second phase of the National Covid-19 immunization campaign started, which includes members of the National Assembly, police officers, teachers, the judiciary, as well as staff at the Customs and Immigration departments.

“The availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for those working in the tourism sector is welcomed news. The vaccination of frontline tourism workers; the reduction in active COVID-19 cases; the receipt of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp; and the ongoing implementation of the Gold Standard Certification program will convey to the world that Belize is a safe destination. This will assist us in our efforts to boost traveller confidence and attract visitors to Belize,” said Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations. 

8,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are available for the tourism sector, with priority given to those that are determined to be at high risk.  Those over 40 years and older will receive their first dose, with the second dose scheduled 12 weeks later.  

According to Dr. Natalia Beer, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Health and Wellness more than 21,000 Belizeans have received their first dose of the vaccine, and have a further 33,600 doses in the pipeline as part of the COVAX program, a global initiative led by UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization.