Opinions & Interviews

Former healthcare minister views Belarus’ measures against COVID-19 as adequate

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MINSK, 25 March (BelTA) – Belarus has undertaken adequate measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Systemic actions are determinative in the fight against the virus, Igor Zelenkevich, who was Healthcare Minister in Belarus in 1997-2001, said in an interview to the ONT TV channel, BelTA has learned.

“I am deeply convinced that Italy or other European countries have the most modern medical equipment and technology. In this case, however, it is the systemic actions that determine whether there is a system capable of withstanding the pandemic. We can see that our system in Belarus works,” said Igor Zelenkevich.

In his opinion, Belarus has taken adequate measures in response to the situation with COVID-19. The country has the opportunity to diagnose the virus. All necessary events have been conducted to prepare for the hospitalization of the infected. Speaking about the number of the infected, Igor Zelenkevich said that this is a relatively small figure given the situation around the country.
 
The former minister also commented on the proposal to introduce quarantine. He believes that it is the specialists who should take the corresponding decision and prepare the appropriate proposal to the authorities if necessary. “If experts decide that there is no need for quarantine, we should trust them,” he said.

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