Dr. Cuellar Says Belize is not prepared for Delta

Fernando Cuellar

Doctor Fernando Cuellar took issue with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ press conference on Wednesday.  He says not only was the relevant information not available to the media, but it gave the impression to the Belizean public that our local health system is prepared to take on the Delta strain. Doctor Cuellar says no country can be absolutely ready for an increase in cases brought on by the Delta variant, not even larger nations like India.

Dr. Fernando Cuellar, Intensive Care Specialist, Belize Medical Associates

“Is it more deadly? We do not think so. Because it is more people will catch it, more people will end up sick and, in the hospital, and more deaths will happen. And, that has been shown over the world. That is what has happened in India. And you touched on that point, and I do want to highlight it. They made it sound like we set, cool and ready for anything. That is not the case guys. You can never be ready for this thing, you can never. I think we should tell the public; we have improved. The doctors know how to manage it better. The whole world knows how to manage it better. I am sure that the government and Ministry of Health are putting things in place. But there should be no calmness to say we safe. Yesterday, the question was asked how much beds we have? How much ventilators we have? That should have been there to answer quickly. Dah nuh my job fuh say that. But the public should know that we will never be absolutely ready for increased cases.”