Covid News: Belize experiencing a new surge in COVID-19 cases.

Image of COVID-19 virus cell.

Bemopan, Belize (CMC)  — Belize is experiencing a new wave of COVID-19 infections with the Ministry of Health and Wellness releasing a report indicating that 69 new cases were recorded during the period November 29 to December 5.

While there are no new hospitalisation cases or deaths, the health authorities said the positivity rate is at 11 cumulatively, while the daily rate is at 3.71.

Health Minister Kevin Bernard told reporters "we have to remember that COVID is here, and while 69 may be a significant jump indeed, there is surveillance being done.

"We continuously want to encourage people that if you feel ill come and get tested because that is the only way we will really get to know where we stand. The numbers had dropped all the way down to, I think, 16 at one point and now we have that increase last night, yes," he said Wednesday.

"As you know there are a lot of activities now and there's a lot of people moving close together, having major functions and that could be why there has been an increase. I have not gotten any indication from the surveillance team that they suspect a major wave or a huge spike, but we must understand that we live in a system where COVID is around us and it exists."

The health minister said while the effects are still minimal, it serves as "one reason why we believe that people are still not going to get tested.

"So those that are being tested are the ones that really reach to the facilities. But we want to encourage people if you feel ill and you feel like you have symptoms, go and get tested just for those assurances.

"But, as I said, we have not gotten an indication that they are suspecting any spike. We believe that over the Christmas period we must expect that people are going to have individual parties, family get-togethers and all we encourage [is responsible behaviour] as the Ministry of Health continues to try prevent spreading of the virus. We have to do our part," Bernard added.

Belize has recorded 688 COVID-19 deaths and 69,117 infections since the first case was recorded in 2020.