During Tuesday’s meeting on measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Belarus, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka expressed readiness to make a personal contribution to the medical treatment of those who contracted the novel coronavirus.
The video of Lukashenka’s statement was published by the presidential press service on Telegram.
“We will do our duty. If there is something I can do for you, just tell me please. I have already told the minister [Health Minister Uladzimir Karanik]: „Uladzimir, if it is necessary, we will assist you in treating people. Just tell me what I should do there. I can hold, carry, lift someone. And you will be giving injections and so on… I offered help, but he says: “Not now”. Well, I am waiting!” the Belarusian leader said.
As of April 7, the number of the infected with COVID-19 has totalled to 861 in Belarus; 13 persons have died of it, the Health Ministry reports.
Over the past month, Alyaksandr Lukashenka has gained notoriety for his careless attitude to the pandemic of COVID-19.
On March 16, he shared with the newly appointed officials his own ways of fighting infections, including the coronavirus. He advised going to a dry sauna, claiming that the virus dies at 60 degrees; more frequent handwashing, regular diet, and… drinking some vodka are also on his list. Later, he called the situation ‘psychosis and foolishness’.
On April 3, Lukashenka said that the introduction of tough quarantine measures and placing a curfew would not improve the coronavirus situation in Belarus. Previously, the Belarusian leader promised that despite the coronavirus, no festivities on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War would be canceled. With hundreds of fans in the stands, sports competitions were held.
Meanwhile, a Belarusian-born resident of France, whose mother died of the coronavirus, demands a criminal case be opened against Alyaksandr Lukashenka. In his opinion, the Belarusian leader failed to take appropriate action amid the outbreak of COVID-19.
