Opinions & Interviews
Kochanova on Belarus’ steps to fight coronavirus
Natalya Kochanova. An archive photo
MINSK, 1 April (BelTA) – All steps Belarus is taking to combat the novel coronavirus are coordinated with the World Health Organization (WHO), Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova said in an interview to the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.
Belarus has been taking measures adequate to the current situation
“The measures taken in the country are adequate to the situation we have today. I would like to assure everyone that all these measures are coordinated with the World Health Organization,” said Natalya Kochanova.
As BelTA reported earlier, the president had asked the speaker of the Council of the Republic to contact specialists of the World Health Organization and invite them to Belarus to assess the performance of Belarus' healthcare system. “I have already contacted the WHO representative in Minsk to talk to a representative of the European Bureau. He said that all recommendations of the World Health Organization are implemented in our country. We will be glad if they come and take a look at the coronavirus situation in our country so that our people could once again hear whether the taken measures are right or wrong,” the speaker said.
According to Natalya Kochanova, different information is circulating about the spread of the infection in Belarus. Sometimes this information is true and sometimes it is completely false. In her view, the society should not spread rumors, but, on the contrary, consolidate and not interfere with the healthcare system. “We must take all measures to ensure that the balance is maintained: while providing assistance on coronavirus, we must not forget that there are people who have other diseases,” she said.
The chairwoman of the Council of the Republic added that the Belarusian medics are currently having hard times, and panic will only exacerbate the situation.
To fight the problem together
Support to older people who are more at risk of coronavirus is provided in all the regions of Belarus. Social services and volunteers help them to do the shopping and buy medicines. “Everybody is actively involved, including the deputy corps, volunteers and young people. It is great. This is how we should work, all together to fight any problem that arises in our society, and not to provoke confrontation," Natalya Kochanova said.
She added at the same time that not all people apply for support, some may be feel shy. The territorial centers of social services are ready to support everyone. “It is alright if they call and offer their help. However, here, one should stay alerted and vigilant, because, unfortunately, there are dishonest people who know how to make money off other people’s misery,” the speaker said.
Economy should work
Belarus’ open economy is now under great pressure because of the crisis caused by the global spread of the coronavirus. The government is working out steps to support enterprises and business. The Council of the Republic is also involved in this work. “When I met with doctors in Vitebsk, with specialists who are dealing with this problem today, they all said that the economy should work, enterprises should work. This is absolutely right,” said Natalya Kochanova. According to the speaker, the pandemic will pass with time, and it is important to understand what economic situation we will have.
According to the speaker, the measures under consideration today are related to the tax and credit burden. The proposal was made to give local councils of deputies the right to regulate the rates of land and real estate taxes. The chairwoman of the Council of the Republic explained that they had such rights before. However, all the monetary issues have already been reflected in the national budget for 2020. “I do not know how this measure will work. In any case the government offers it,” she added.
No less important is the issue of food security of the country, said Natalya Kochanova. Here, there should not be any problems, she said. Belarus produces enough food products, and there are also reserves.
No need for emergency measures today
“Measures should be adequate to the situation in the country. It is easy to shut down everything today, and then what? How will people live? People need food. People need to work, study. If we take the figures we have on coronavirus and other communicable diseases, we will see that it is possible to continue working as usual. I think there is no need for emergency measures today,” said the chairwoman of the Council of the Republic.
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