Belarus' Covid Cases: Tracking The Outbreak

Belarus has seen a fluctuating number of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. In February 2022, the country reported 6,230 new cases in a single day, with a nationwide tally of 896,319. In March 2022, the daily count rose to 1,488, bringing the total to 957,088. However, by May 2023, the daily count had dropped to 887, with a total of 46,868 cases. These numbers are in stark contrast to the official statistics, which have been widely disputed. Independent analyses suggest that the actual number of cases and deaths may be much higher than reported, with one study indicating that the death toll could be ten times higher than official figures.

COVID-19 cases in Belarus

As of 26 November 2024, Belarus had recorded a total of 896,319 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. The country saw 6,230 new cases in the preceding 24 hours, with 1,809 recoveries. This brought the total number of recoveries to 882,376, while the death toll stood at 6,407.

On 25 March 2024, Belarus reported 1,488 new cases, with 448 recoveries. The nationwide tally at this time was 957,088, with 6,767 deaths.

In February 2023, Belarus registered 2,221 new cases in a day, with 1,922 recoveries. The nationwide tally was 736,299, and the death toll was 6,009.

Earlier, in June 2020, Belarus had recorded a total of 46,868 COVID-19 cases, with 887 new cases in a day.

As of February 2021, Belarus had recorded 284,500 positive coronavirus tests.

Belarus COVID-19 recoveries

Belarus has seen a high number of COVID-19 recoveries since the pandemic began. As of 25 March 2024, a total of 954,026 patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19 had recovered in Belarus. This number had risen to 882,376 by 23 February 2022.

Belarus has also seen a high number of COVID-19 cases. On 23 February 2022, the country reported 6,230 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide coronavirus tally to 896,319.

The Belarusian government has been criticised for its handling of the pandemic. President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed concerns about the virus and refused to impose social-distancing requirements or restrict public activities. On 25 April 2020, more than 2 million Belarusians, including doctors and nurses, took part in a government-decreed national day of civic labour. Lukashenko described the day of civic labour, known as a subbotnik, as "the good that we took from the Soviet period". However, independent trade unions called for a boycott of the event, and the World Health Organization urged the government to cancel public events and implement social-distancing measures.

Belarus COVID-19 tests

As of 23 February 2024, Belarus had performed 12,343,035 COVID-19 tests, including 25,591 tests in the preceding 24 hours.

Belarus has implemented several travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most foreign citizens arriving in the country must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours to 3 days before arrival or quarantine for 10 days. Temperature screening measures are also in place at Minsk National Airport, and travellers entering Belarus must declare to border control officials if they have visited a country where COVID-19 is circulating.

Belarus has also been actively testing and treating COVID-19 patients within the country. As of 21 December 2023, the country had performed over 30,000 COVID-19 tests. The Belarusian Healthcare Ministry has been monitoring the situation and providing treatment for those who test positive. Patients who come into contact with virus carriers are also being closely monitored.

As of 5 June 2020, Belarus had conducted 597,013 tests, with an 11,366 increase in the preceding 24 hours. The percentage of positive test results had been decreasing, indicating that the country was starting to manage the epidemic effectively.

Belarus COVID-19 deaths

Belarus has seen a high number of COVID-19 cases and deaths since the pandemic began. As of 23 February 2022, the country had recorded a total of 896,319 cases, with 6,407 deaths. This means that Belarus had a case fatality rate of around 1%.

The first case of COVID-19 in Belarus was registered in Minsk on 28 February 2020. Since then, the country has experienced several waves of the virus, with the number of daily confirmed cases often reaching over a thousand. The highest number of daily confirmed cases was on 19 February 2022, with 897,188 total cases.

The Belarusian government has faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic. In the early stages, President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed the threat of the virus, encouraging people to work outdoors and even play sports as a way to fight the pandemic. The government also faced criticism for its lack of transparency in reporting pandemic-related data and for its slow response in implementing protective measures such as social distancing and mask mandates.

As of 23 February 2022, Belarus had conducted over 12 million COVID-19 tests and administered nearly 20 million vaccine doses.

Belarus COVID-19 restrictions

As of June 2022, Belarus is open for non-essential travel without restrictions. However, there are still some COVID-19-related restrictions in place. Here are the key restrictions and recommendations:

International Entry Restrictions

• Most non-resident foreign nationals are barred from entering the country via land borders. Exceptions include freight transporters, international public transportation workers, diplomats, persons seeking urgent medical attention, and healthcare workers.
• International airports remain open but operate with reduced flight schedules. Non-resident foreign nationals may enter the country by air, but travelers aged six and older must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
• Travelers from countries with high COVID-19 activity must self-isolate for seven days upon arrival.
• Vaccinated travelers or those transiting for less than 24 hours are exempt from self-isolation and providing a negative test result.
• All passengers must submit a Public Health Covid-19 Passenger Self-Declaration Form on arrival.
• Passengers must hold medical insurance of at least €10,000 from a foreign insurance company.

Domestic Measures

• Domestic businesses and services are operating with light-touch hygiene measures in place, including social distancing.
• Face masks are mandatory on all public transport, including flights and metro services.

Recommendations by the WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made the following recommendations to Belarus:

• Postpone or cancel all mass events.
• Introduce options for remote work and distance learning.
• Suspend activities of all non-essential organizations, enterprises, and economic entities.

It is important to note that the situation is constantly evolving, and the authorities in Belarus may adjust or lift restrictions at any time. For the most up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to official government sources and local news updates.

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