It's the largest annual social gathering of Belizeans and attendance is certainly expected to exceed 100 persons. That means that the AGRIC Show is yet another event that's been put on the backburner in light of COVID-19.

The decision in line with directives from the COVID-19 National Oversight Committee is to postpone the event from its original date of May 1, 2 and 3, 2020 until October 16, 17 and 18, 2020 if conditions allow at that time.

And today a press release from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Immigration said that while there is certainly an awareness of the economic impact of the decision it is quote: " the ministry's considered view that the health and safety of the Belizean public outweighs the risk of proceeding with the regionally attended show."

The release also indicated that exhibitors who have made payments for booths can contact NATS headquarters to opt for a refund or place a hold on the deposit for the rescheduled show in October 2020.

Prison Suspends Visits due To Covid

The Kolbe Foundation Belize Central Prison has also announced that it will have to suspend all visits to the facility.

Their press release says, quote, "Kolbe Foundation is suspending ALL visits including Regular, Family Days, Embassies, Volunteers, and Attorney visits for one month effective Saturday 21st March 2020. The population density of prisons creates a risk of infection and transmission for inmates and staff, therefore, this suspension of visits is necessary as a precaution to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 created by external visitors. All inmates' activities within the prison walls will continue as per normal. This includes maintaining contact with their loved ones via telephone calls."End quote.

The Prison management says that all new inmates will be screened for COVID-19, and those who are suspected of having symptoms will be isolated. Inmates detected with the virus will be quarantined and they will be provided the necessary treatments.