Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko comments on Belarus’ first coronavirus case

MINSK, 28 February (BelTA) – There is no need to shut down borders because of the first case of coronavirus reported in Belarus, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the Congress of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus on 28 February, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he is closely following the situation. He went on saying that all the measures taken in the country are right. “We should say thanks to our doctors. They are not calling for border closure, they are not lamenting or indulging in scaremongering. However, we are doing even those things that China is doing,” he noted. There is no fuss about infection containment measures in the country. “People are okay with them. We are doing what everyone is doing, but without commotion or hubbub,” the head of state said.

At the same time the president believes that border closure will not help contain the spread of the virus. “Will it change anything if we shut down borders? Borders were closed, but the virus has spread all over the world. It does not make any sense to close borders when population mobility is so high,” the president underlined.

Frontline healthcare workers should do everything to minimize the risk of contracting the disease. “Keep calm and continue fighting this virus the way you are doing it now,” the head of state noted.

The virus has affected many countries of the world. Some suggest postponing the Olympic Games for a year. In the face of the virus outbreak it is important to prevent fearmongering among the population. The wrong behavior of doctors can throw people into panic. “If you kick up a fuss, pharmacies will run out of face masks or prices for them will skyrocket. We will not let it happen. People will start panic-buying medicines. Medicines can do more harm than the virus. We need to stay calm. We should not let the virus get a foothold here. However, we should tread cautiously raising awareness of the issue,” the president noted.

“Be careful and take care of your children. However, they say that this infection does not affect children,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks