Ministry of Health Issues Press Release

Ministry of Health
Press Release
Belmopan, May 3, 2009.

To date there are no cases of Influenza A H1N1 in Belize. The numbers of cases continue to rise internationally, with more countries being affected. The world remains on Stage 5 Alert.

Belize maintains its current level of heightened surveillance, health education, and public awareness. Three suspected cases identified on May 2, 2009 are currently being investigated.

Pleases be reminded that further information is available on the Ministry of Health’s website www.health.gov.bz; or at the Influenza A H1N1 hotline 629-5604.

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Island Academy Vegas Extravaganza!!

The Island Academy invited card players (over 18) to a night of “Bet$ for Text$,” at Pedro’s Inn. “Education is a Big Deal,” was the theme for a night of Bingo, Blackjack, and ‘Belize’ Hold ‘Em. Teachers were the featured Belize Bingo callers and professional dealers ran the table games of Blackjack, and ‘Belize’ Hold ‘Em. Raffle drawings and prizes were given throughout the night. Generous sponsors donated many exciting gift packages, and added excitement while supporting The Island Academy’s 2009-10 school year drive for new textbooks and workbooks.

The sign at the entrance...

getting stamped!
what beautiful ladies to welcome you to the show!

Small World Band provided the good music!

Teachers went around to the tables selling Jell-o shots...

raffle tickets...

...and Lisa Anderson kept everyone entertained with her witty commentary and Bingo calling!

Happy parents enjoying a night of fun for school!

The beer flowed...

...games were hot!

No H1N1 Swine Flu Cases in Belize

Dr. Polanco

In an effort to further shield its residents and travelers against the swine flu, which is now being referred to as influenza A (H1N1), Belize is taking additional proactive steps towards protection against the pandemic. One such act is the closing of the Belize Free Zone and casinos in the town of Corozal, which borders Mexico. That effort, which was done in collaboration with the Mexican authorities, is just one of many vigilant measures that Belize's Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) have taken.To date, Belizean officials have not been advised of any confirmed influenza A (H1N1) cases in the country. Due to the thorough measures Belizean authorities have taken and continue to take, various cases are currently under investigation, and have been sent for testing. At least 50 percent of those cases tested have been reported back to Belizean authorities as being negative. All results of remaining cases are scheduled to be reported by the Belize Ministry of Health later today.The BTB is working intimately with local health authorities to monitor any new developments, and is also maintaining close contact with all Belizean hotel and tour operators to ensure they are fully educated and prepared for any questions from tourists regarding the situation.The BTB continues to welcome travelers to Belize and is fully prepared to address any questions and/or concerns about traveling to the country during this time. Travelers are encouraged to call the BTB's toll-free number, 1-800-624-0686.

Belmopan, Belize 2 May (Belizean.com) - The Deputy Director of Health Services in Belize Dr. Jorge Polanco has today confirmed that there are no confirmed cases of the H1N1 flue virus in Belize. Dr, Polanco said that there are 4 "cases of interest" but so far laboratory tests have come back as negative.

Belize has reacted aggressively against the virus by closing down the Free Zone and casinos at the border with Mexico and implementing a ban on all mass events within Belize including the National Agriculture and Trade Show.

Swine Flu Town Meeting held

A town meeting was held tonight where the residents were informed on the status of the Swine Flu Virus. A limited amount of residents showed up to hear what town doctors had to say. Precautions were mentioned and Mayor Elsa Paz commented that the San Pedro Town Council was preparing themselves to handle an infection.Dr. Daniel Gonzalez stated that the best way to prevent the virus is to conduct proper hygiene. "The idea is hygiene. Not washing our hands is how we get the virus," he stated, "that is how the virus gets into our system.:"

Who Dat??

Who: Ashley Bennett
What: Manager of Nautica
Where: North Carolina
When: November 2008
Why: People are friendly and I wanted to start a new life in Belize
Status: In a relationship