Coronavirus In Belarus: What's The Status?

Belarus has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first case of the virus being registered in Minsk on 28 February 2020. The country has implemented various measures to contain the spread of the virus, including mandatory self-quarantine for travellers and, more recently, the introduction of a negative COVID-19 test requirement for most foreign citizens arriving in the country. Belarus has also continued to host professional sporting events, such as football and hockey, with spectators in the stands, even as other European countries imposed lockdowns and cancelled public events.

The Belarusian government's response to the pandemic has been criticised by some as being inadequate, with President Alexander Lukashenko downplaying the need for social distancing and other preventive measures. Lukashenko has made controversial statements, such as suggesting that drinking vodka and driving tractors can help fight the virus. The accuracy of the Belarusian government's COVID-19 statistics has also been questioned by some media outlets and medical professionals.

Belarus's COVID-19 entry requirements

As of December 22, 2021, Belarus has removed the requirement for foreign citizens to self-isolate upon entry. However, those with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test must self-isolate for 7 days.

All foreign citizens entering Belarus must present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours before their arrival. This does not apply to Belarusian residents or those who can present proof of vaccination.

Temperature screening measures are in place at Minsk National Airport, and travellers must inform border control officials if they have visited a country where COVID-19 is circulating.

Leisure travel by land is banned, but air borders are open.

COVID-19 vaccine doses administered

As of 29 January 2023, a total of 19,047,714 vaccine doses have been administered in Belarus.

Belarus has been criticised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's president, Alexander Lukashenko, has downplayed the need for social distancing and other measures to stem the spread of the virus. He has also dismissed the threat of the virus, suggesting that working in fields and driving tractors could help overcome the pandemic. Lukashenko also encouraged people to drink vodka, bathe in saunas, and play sports, including ice hockey, to fight the virus.

Despite the pandemic, Belarus continued to host professional football games and an annual Victory Day military parade, which took place on 9 May 2020 and involved more than 15,0000 spectators and 4000 military personnel. The World Health Organization (WHO) had urged Belarus to cancel the parade, but Lukashenko stated that it could not be cancelled.

The Belarusian government has also been accused of falsifying COVID-19 statistics and censoring and repressing critics of its pandemic response.

COVID-19 cases and deaths

As of 28 September 2024, Belarus had recorded 77,946 cases of COVID-19, with 337 new cases registered in the previous 24 hours. The country's total number of coronavirus-related deaths stood at 822, with four deaths occurring in the preceding 24 hours.

Back in April 2020, Belarus was deemed to be entering a "concerning" new phase in the coronavirus outbreak by a World Health Organization (WHO) official. At the time, the country had recorded 2,226 cases and 23 deaths. The WHO recommended that Belarus "introduce community-wide measures to increase physical distancing", as well as continue with isolation, testing, and contact tracing.

By April 2020, the Belarusian government had not implemented social distancing measures or other steps to curb the virus's spread. President Alexander Lukashenko, who has led the country since 1994, had played down the need for such actions. He suggested unconventional remedies, such as drinking vodka, driving tractors, and bathing in a sauna, could help combat the virus. Lukashenko also participated in an ice hockey game, embracing other players, and the country continued to host professional sports events with spectators in attendance.

By April 2020, the Belarusian women's football league had been suspended due to coronavirus exposure concerns, but the men's league continued without interruption.

COVID-19 testing

Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)

NAATs, including PCR tests, are considered the "gold standard" for COVID-19 testing. These tests detect the presence of the virus's genetic material in a sample taken from the nose or mouth. NAATs are highly sensitive and can detect the virus even in people who are asymptomatic. The test results may take up to three days to be available.

Antigen Tests

Antigen tests are rapid tests that usually provide results within 15 to 30 minutes. They detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus. While positive results from antigen tests are typically accurate, negative results may need to be confirmed with a NAAT test, especially if the person is asymptomatic. Antigen tests can be self-administered at home or performed at a testing site.

Molecular Tests

Molecular tests, such as rapid molecular tests, detect the genetic material of the virus. These tests are highly accurate and can provide quick results. Molecular tests may be performed on-site or sent to a laboratory for analysis, depending on the specific test.

Temperature Screening

Temperature screening measures have been implemented at airports and other travel hubs. This method detects individuals with elevated body temperatures, which could indicate a possible infection. While not a definitive test for COVID-19, it helps identify people who may require further testing.

Community Testing

Community-based testing locations, such as pharmacies or health centres, offer accessible testing options. They may provide NAAT or antigen tests and often have low- or no-cost testing options for individuals without insurance. These sites play a crucial role in increasing testing accessibility for the general public.

At-Home Tests

Self-tests or at-home tests are antigen tests that can be purchased online or at pharmacies and retail stores. These tests are convenient and allow individuals to test themselves without visiting a testing site. At-home tests are suitable for people with symptoms or those who have been exposed to COVID-19 and want to monitor their status.

Testing for Travel

Many countries, including Belarus, have implemented COVID-19 testing requirements for incoming travellers. For example, Belarus requires most foreign citizens arriving in the country to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours to 3 days before their arrival or undergo a quarantine period. It's important to stay updated with the specific requirements of your destination country before travelling.

COVID-19 impact on women's football

In April 2020, the Belarus Football Federation suspended the women's football league until further notice. The men's league, however, continued to operate. The decision was made due to fears that players had been exposed to the coronavirus, with the federation adding that "several" players had been in contact with "possible carriers" of the virus.

At the time, Belarus was the only country in Europe still hosting professional men's football matches with spectators in the stands. The country's president, Alexander Lukashenko, had opposed strict lockdown measures, even playing in an ice hockey game in front of spectators. Despite this, attendance for men's league games had plummeted as fans chose to stay away, with fan boycotts being organized at the majority of the top-tier clubs.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's football in Belarus resulted in a delay to the start of the 2020 season. While the men's league continued, the women's league was suspended to prioritize the health and safety of the players and staff. This decision was made by the Belarus Football Federation to protect those involved in the women's game.

The suspension of the women's football league in Belarus due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an example of the challenges faced by women's sports during the global health crisis. While men's leagues in other countries also continued to operate, the impact on women's football in Belarus highlights the disparities that exist between men's and women's sports, particularly in terms of priority and resource allocation.

Frequently asked questions