We came to our Coastal Road home near Gales Point in January and planned to stay for a few winter months. The coronavirus came and changed all that. Despite chances to leave earlier, we stayed in Belize as long as we could. We very much enjoyed our extended 5+ months stay. We did finally return to the USA on a "repatriation fight" arranged by the US Embassy on June 26.
We were very pleased with our long stay in Belize, because Belize is THE SAFEST PLACE to be in the Western Hemisphere. Here we are off-grid, with ample rainwater catchment, fruit orchards, chickens, and a veggie/fruit nursery we built from local bamboo. We fished in the sea for red snapper. We fished in the lagoons for snook. When we finally ventured forth, we found the grocery stores well stocked. It is easy to avoid people in this country with the lowest population density by far in North or Central America.
We were pleased with the Belize govt response of strict curfews, mandatory masks, and mandatory disinfecting before entering any store. We are pleased with the strict steps the govt took to minimize virus infection from returning Belizean. These factors limited to overall virus to 22 people in the entire country, and none at all in our Stann Creek District.
This was truly an idyllic time. More Americans, Canadians, and Europeans should come to understand the incredible opportunities Belize has to create a wonderful Caribbean lifestyle ~ ~ and to create a true, off-grid Safe Haven in Belize - far from civilization's troubles.
During the shut-down, there was much construction. Infrastructure projects such as paved roads and better internet/ cellular coverage advanced. (We finally have broadband coverage along the Coastal Road!) Some resorts created improvements. Many new homes were built. The construction industry thrived, while resort owners have suffered. Hopefully by January and the dry season, economic prosperity will fully return.
Now we are returned to the USA - and to potential risks associated with the very-prevalent Corina virus - and a government not prepared to deal with it as aggressively as the Belize government did.
I do plan to return to Belize in August for a short time. Then again in January for a longer period - However, I am very dismayed by Belize's decision to increase the monthly visa fee from $50 to $200BZ.