In these unprecedented times surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our guests and staff is of the utmost importance. The Government of Belize recently announced that the Philip Goldson International Airport will reopen on October 1, 2020. The reopening of the international airport for tourism, which was closed in late March to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, comes ahead of the reopening of our land borders as well as cruise tourism. Thankfully, Belize has been able to closely monitor the spread of the virus and Belize is considered a safe travel destination.
Sittee River Marina is implementing all the required protocols to pass inspection and on the way to becoming a Tourism Gold Standard Tour Operator approved by the Government of Belize which requires enhanced facility and equipment, social interactions, workplace policies, and standard operating procedures, while ensuring minimal impact on the guest experience.
Belize is known as being a top travel destination in Central America and the Caribbean and given the country’s management of the virus to date, we are perfectly poised and committed to protecting health and safety while providing a one of a kind vacation experience. As a professional tour operator offering both marine and inland tours to the reefs and jungles, we are an ideal host to provide the best in service, safety, and adventure. We will work together with your Gold Standard accommodation as part of the country's Safe Corridor Program to insure that you will be in the best of hands as you embark on your exploration of our beautiful country.
Sittee River Marina Health & Safety Plan
With the international airport as Belize’s first port of entry to reopen, the Government has made a number of modifications to ensure safety. These new rules of engagement apply to both visitors entering the country and to hotels and tour operators in order to stunt the re-emergence of the Covid-19 virus in Belize. Moreover, the Belize Tourism Board and the Ministry of Health have simultaneously launched reopening guidelines for hotels, tour operators & restaurants which were introduced as part of the Government’s commitment to keep Belizeans, tourism dependent communities, and visitors safe from the risks related to coronavirus.
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Covid-19 Entry Requirements
The Government of Belize has made a number of modifications to ensure safety as it reopens the International Airport. To summarize, some of the specific requirements that must be undertaken prior to travel includes, but are not limited to the following:
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Download the Belize Health App and complete the required information at least 72 hours prior to arrival. A QR code with a unique ID number will be returned to you, and will be used for contact tracing while in Belize. Check back here before arrival: https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety.
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Either present a negative PCR test result taken within the last 72 hours prior to arrival or pay (USD$50) for a rapid test within the airport at your expense. Rapid test results will be available within 15 – 30 minutes after testing.
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Wear a mask while in public spaces and at the resort’s shared public spaces as well as maintaining social distancing while on tours.
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In the case of a positive test result while at the Belize International Airport and/or a display of symptoms while in the country, you will be required to quarantine at your own expense.
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If you are placed into quarantine, our cancellation and rescheduling policies still apply. If you are required to be quarantined we will work closely with your accommodation and with the Ministry of Health to insure your safety and well-being.
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We do not recommend traveling to Belize if you have displayed symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days prior to your arrival date. This will prevent you having to quarantine in Belize for an extended period of time.
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More information regarding entry requirements can be found on the Belize Tourism site: https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety.
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As well as our tour policies which include necessary COVID-19 updates: www.sitteerivermarina.com
Covid-19 Tour Precautions
For the safety of our guests and staff, we have implemented a series of Covid-19 precautionary measures to maintain the health and well being while maintaining a warm & welcoming environment as follows:
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Social distancing and the use of face masks while in public spaces
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Low contact check-in & out procedures
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Hand sanitizing stations across the property and in our boats/vehicles
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Enhanced equipment, gear, transport, and office cleaning & disinfecting and increased sanitization of public spaces and high touch surfaces
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Daily health checks for guests and employees
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Due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, tour schedules and availability may be altered. The Tour Desk will confirm your tours upon arrival and we will do our best to offer alternative options!
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We will be providing alternative means of communicating with the tour desk to minimize contact in the form of WhatsApp updates and emails and e-check in and check out procedures.
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
As previously mentioned, the Belize Tourism Board and the Ministry of Health have released reopening guidelines for hotels, tour operators, & restaurants and we are obtaining our Tourism Gold Standard Certification. Additionally, we are communicating with our employees and guests the importance of preventative measures such as frequent hand-washing, using hand sanitizers and rigorous cleaning processes. Sittee River Marina and The Curve Bar Restaurant take appropriate measures to clean, sanitize, and disinfect equipment, premises and shared public spaces. We’re cleaning and disinfecting shared public surfaces more frequently. Additionally, we’re taking necessary steps to make sure all equipment is sanitized.
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Employee Self Care
In addition to ensuring the health and well-being of our guests, we are also focused on the care of our employees. Sittee River Marina and The Curve Bar Restaurant has reinforced employee sick day policies, requiring time off during all illnesses.
Guest Awareness
If you are sick with COVID-19, or have recently travelled to a banned country, or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, we ask you to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines and not travel to our resort for your own safety as well as the prevention of spreading the disease.
Please download the WhatsApp app, as well as the Belize Health App, prior to your arrival. We will also be asking for electronic copies of your passport and minimizing cash transactions by doing a paperless check out with an electronic credit card authorization form or have your tours billed under your room to your hotel, if you arranged tours with us through the front desk at your accommodation, at check out.
With the release of these protocols, we can safely prepare for guest arrivals and are very excited to welcome travelers back to Belize!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at info@sitteerivermarina.com