Lukashenko advises hospitalized individuals not to relent, despite testing positive for COVID-19.
In a significant meeting on April 13, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus gathered with several officials to discuss the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and other pressing matters. Among those present were Kochanov, Ravkov, Sergeenko, and Karanik.
Lukashenko reiterated Belarus's commitment to outpatient treatment instead of self-isolation, emphasizing the nation's efforts to fight for every person affected by the virus. He also reminded hospitalised individuals not to lose hope, even in the face of a positive COVID-19 test result.
The President expressed gratitude towards those working tirelessly to treat patients during these challenging times, and he praised the efforts of the Ministry of Health and healthcare workers in Belarus. He also thanked the nation for its resilience and determination in the face of the pandemic.
In a strong statement, Lukashenko rebuked Russian media for bias, stating, "Don't touch us! We'll see who's right when it's over." He clarified that he believes the coronavirus is not the main cause of death, but rather the atmosphere in which chronic diseases develop.
To combat the spread of the virus, Ravkov, a law enforcement official, has adopted a set of measures aimed at minimizing the risk of viral infection. Meanwhile, the Belarusian government has taken steps to improve the production of protective equipment, leveraging cooperative agreements to control and manage deliveries, genetics, processing, and maintenance of equipment. Lukashenko has announced a visit to protective equipment production facilities in the near future.
Lukashenko also addressed concerns about the impact of the coronavirus "psychosis" on people suffering from various diseases such as cardiovascular issues, oncology, asthma, diabetes, and pneumonia. He expressed interest in discussing the coronavirus situation and its impact on other diseases during the meeting.
The meeting also covered upcoming political and military events, with Lukashenko expressing a keen interest in these matters. Encouragingly, there has been a decrease in seasonal respiratory infections and detected pneumonia cases in Belarus, a testament to the nation's collective efforts in combating the pandemic.