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‘There Are No Viruses Here’: Leader of Belarus Scoffs at Lockdowns ‘There Are No Viruses Here’: Leader of Belarus Scoffs at Lockdowns
(about 7 hours later)
MOSCOW — As he headed off the ice after playing a hockey game in an amateur tournament in late March, the leader of Belarus brushed aside reporters’ anxious questions about the coronavirus pandemic.MOSCOW — As he headed off the ice after playing a hockey game in an amateur tournament in late March, the leader of Belarus brushed aside reporters’ anxious questions about the coronavirus pandemic.
“There are no viruses here,” said the Belarusian president, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, gesturing to the crowded arena. “Do you see any of them flying around? I don’t see them either.”“There are no viruses here,” said the Belarusian president, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, gesturing to the crowded arena. “Do you see any of them flying around? I don’t see them either.”
At a time when some countries, like Germany and Denmark, having tamped down the initial outbreak of the virus, are experimenting with cautious openings of businesses and schools, Belarus is an outlier. It never imposed any restrictions at all.At a time when some countries, like Germany and Denmark, having tamped down the initial outbreak of the virus, are experimenting with cautious openings of businesses and schools, Belarus is an outlier. It never imposed any restrictions at all.
Restaurants, coffee shops and movie theaters remain open. Last weekend, churches were packed for Orthodox Easter. Professional soccer is in full swing, though the roaring crowds of earlier this month have thinned. In the capital, Minsk, the subways are crowded. Most businesses require workers to show up.Restaurants, coffee shops and movie theaters remain open. Last weekend, churches were packed for Orthodox Easter. Professional soccer is in full swing, though the roaring crowds of earlier this month have thinned. In the capital, Minsk, the subways are crowded. Most businesses require workers to show up.
Neither the raw numbers of infections, nearly 9,000, nor the total deaths, 63, suggest that Belarus’s epidemic is grossly disproportionate, though Ukraine with four times the population has fewer reported cases.Neither the raw numbers of infections, nearly 9,000, nor the total deaths, 63, suggest that Belarus’s epidemic is grossly disproportionate, though Ukraine with four times the population has fewer reported cases.
And few people believe the official tallies; there is some evidence that the true numbers are being suppressed.And few people believe the official tallies; there is some evidence that the true numbers are being suppressed.
But caught in the grip of an autocrat whom critics are calling one of the world’s foremost virus deniers, Belarusians have little choice but to accept official policy: The economy will keep chugging along, whatever the cost in human lives.But caught in the grip of an autocrat whom critics are calling one of the world’s foremost virus deniers, Belarusians have little choice but to accept official policy: The economy will keep chugging along, whatever the cost in human lives.
“I wish I could stay home, but I need to feed the children,” Polina Galekh, a 32-year-old single mother and secretary, said in a telephone interview. “It’s scary.”“I wish I could stay home, but I need to feed the children,” Polina Galekh, a 32-year-old single mother and secretary, said in a telephone interview. “It’s scary.”
Long after other leaders abandoned the idea, Mr. Lukashenko, who is up for re-election in August, has soldiered on with a policy of riding out the coronavirus like a bad flu season. He dismisses the official death toll of 63, insisting that all the victims died from underlying causes.Long after other leaders abandoned the idea, Mr. Lukashenko, who is up for re-election in August, has soldiered on with a policy of riding out the coronavirus like a bad flu season. He dismisses the official death toll of 63, insisting that all the victims died from underlying causes.
“The whole world is laughing at us but it’s not healthy laughter because people are dying,” said Pavel Marinich, an opposition leader now living in exile. Of Mr. Lukashenko, he said, “He went crazy.”“The whole world is laughing at us but it’s not healthy laughter because people are dying,” said Pavel Marinich, an opposition leader now living in exile. Of Mr. Lukashenko, he said, “He went crazy.”
Restricting gatherings is “a very natural, very reasonable reaction” to a lethally dangerous pathogen spread through the air, said Andrei Sanikov, who ran for president against Mr. Lukashenko in 2010, and was subsequently imprisoned. “Belarus is having a very unnatural, very unreasonable reaction.”Restricting gatherings is “a very natural, very reasonable reaction” to a lethally dangerous pathogen spread through the air, said Andrei Sanikov, who ran for president against Mr. Lukashenko in 2010, and was subsequently imprisoned. “Belarus is having a very unnatural, very unreasonable reaction.”
And experts are predicting it could pay a terrible price.And experts are predicting it could pay a terrible price.
As in Russia, the virus is thought to have arrived later in Belarus than in Western Europe, with the first reported deaths in late March.As in Russia, the virus is thought to have arrived later in Belarus than in Western Europe, with the first reported deaths in late March.
After a rapid expansion of cases through most of April the rate has begun to plateau, according to figures compiled by The New York Times. But, once again, few Belarusians or public health experts place much faith in the reported numbers.After a rapid expansion of cases through most of April the rate has begun to plateau, according to figures compiled by The New York Times. But, once again, few Belarusians or public health experts place much faith in the reported numbers.
Anecdotally, at least, there is evidence that the actual number of cases and deaths are far higher than what is being reported.Anecdotally, at least, there is evidence that the actual number of cases and deaths are far higher than what is being reported.
To take just one example, Aleksandr Matveyev became alarmed when his 68-year-old mother checked into to the Vitebsk Regional Clinic in late March for treatment unrelated to the virus and found doctors and nurses going about without any masks or protective clothing.To take just one example, Aleksandr Matveyev became alarmed when his 68-year-old mother checked into to the Vitebsk Regional Clinic in late March for treatment unrelated to the virus and found doctors and nurses going about without any masks or protective clothing.
Within days of being admitted to the hospital, she had developed a fever and hacking cough. On March 30, the same day Mr. Lukashenko said he could not see the virus, she stopped responding to text messages. The hospital later called to say she had died from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.Within days of being admitted to the hospital, she had developed a fever and hacking cough. On March 30, the same day Mr. Lukashenko said he could not see the virus, she stopped responding to text messages. The hospital later called to say she had died from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
“All I can say is the head of state created this atmosphere,” Mr. Matveyev, a lawyer who lives in France, said in a telephone interview. “He played hockey. He said he did not see the virus. He set the tone.”“All I can say is the head of state created this atmosphere,” Mr. Matveyev, a lawyer who lives in France, said in a telephone interview. “He played hockey. He said he did not see the virus. He set the tone.”
For a time, Mr. Matveyev grieved privately, but said he became outraged when he noticed the country’s official coronavirus death toll, just three in early April, had not budged after his mother’s death.For a time, Mr. Matveyev grieved privately, but said he became outraged when he noticed the country’s official coronavirus death toll, just three in early April, had not budged after his mother’s death.
“The president said there is no coronavirus,” he said, and health officials had apparently obliged by not reporting the death of his mother. He is still unsure whether her death was counted.“The president said there is no coronavirus,” he said, and health officials had apparently obliged by not reporting the death of his mother. He is still unsure whether her death was counted.
Without a free press or any viable opposition parties, Belarusians have little recourse to challenge the virus response. The Ministry of Health did not respond to written questions about the coronavirus and its policies for dealing with the epidemic.Without a free press or any viable opposition parties, Belarusians have little recourse to challenge the virus response. The Ministry of Health did not respond to written questions about the coronavirus and its policies for dealing with the epidemic.
In the ensuing days and weeks, Mr. Lukashenko, who has criticized lockdowns elsewhere as “frenzy and psychosis,” repeated his claim that all the virus deaths were attributable to underlying conditions.In the ensuing days and weeks, Mr. Lukashenko, who has criticized lockdowns elsewhere as “frenzy and psychosis,” repeated his claim that all the virus deaths were attributable to underlying conditions.
Mr. Lukashenko noted that one Belarusian victim was fat. The man weighed 297 pounds, he said. “How can you even live that way?” he said. “The virus attacks the weak.”Mr. Lukashenko noted that one Belarusian victim was fat. The man weighed 297 pounds, he said. “How can you even live that way?” he said. “The virus attacks the weak.”
He said the virus also taught a lesson to smokers, saying they tend to suffer worse outcomes.He said the virus also taught a lesson to smokers, saying they tend to suffer worse outcomes.
When a delegation from the World Health Organization turned up earlier this month to recommend precautions that were subsequently ignored, Mr. Lukashenko went on television to announce a cure. “We have already found combinations of drugs to save people,” he said. Those sick with Covid-19 “should not worry.”When a delegation from the World Health Organization turned up earlier this month to recommend precautions that were subsequently ignored, Mr. Lukashenko went on television to announce a cure. “We have already found combinations of drugs to save people,” he said. Those sick with Covid-19 “should not worry.”
Mr. Matveyev became enraged. “He humiliates the victims,” he said. “He says they are to blame themselves for dying. You would expect some sympathy. But no.”Mr. Matveyev became enraged. “He humiliates the victims,” he said. “He says they are to blame themselves for dying. You would expect some sympathy. But no.”
As a gesture to seek justice for his mother, Mr. Matveyev filed an all but certainly futile complaint with the Belarusian police accusing Mr. Lukashenko of negligent homicide for his mother’s death.As a gesture to seek justice for his mother, Mr. Matveyev filed an all but certainly futile complaint with the Belarusian police accusing Mr. Lukashenko of negligent homicide for his mother’s death.
A police spokeswoman, Yulia Zaitsova, said the police handed off the case to a separate prosecutorial agency for state employees accused of wrongdoing. “We are just following the rules,” she said. The press office of the agency, the Investigative Committee, did not answer phone calls.A police spokeswoman, Yulia Zaitsova, said the police handed off the case to a separate prosecutorial agency for state employees accused of wrongdoing. “We are just following the rules,” she said. The press office of the agency, the Investigative Committee, did not answer phone calls.
“My mother could have lived many more years,” Mr. Matveyev said. “Nothing can be more important than people’s lives. Everybody understands it’s a catastrophe for the economy. But let’s save people first and then work things out.”“My mother could have lived many more years,” Mr. Matveyev said. “Nothing can be more important than people’s lives. Everybody understands it’s a catastrophe for the economy. But let’s save people first and then work things out.”
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
A sense of self-preservation has prompted some Belarusians to stay home without official guidance. Some midlevel officials closed public spaces, defying Mr. Lukashenko. The city of Minsk requires restaurants space tables apart. Belarus State University sent students home.A sense of self-preservation has prompted some Belarusians to stay home without official guidance. Some midlevel officials closed public spaces, defying Mr. Lukashenko. The city of Minsk requires restaurants space tables apart. Belarus State University sent students home.
“There is reality and then there are the words of the president,” said Yuri Adamovich, a chemistry lecturer at the university.“There is reality and then there are the words of the president,” said Yuri Adamovich, a chemistry lecturer at the university.
As a rule, autocrats like Mr. Lukashenko are far more likely to adopt extreme policies than are democratically elected leaders, said Daniel Triesman, a professor of political science at the University of California at Los Angeles.As a rule, autocrats like Mr. Lukashenko are far more likely to adopt extreme policies than are democratically elected leaders, said Daniel Triesman, a professor of political science at the University of California at Los Angeles.
“The policies of dictators in general have higher variance,” he said. “Democrats are driven by public pressure toward consensus answers and international best practice.”“The policies of dictators in general have higher variance,” he said. “Democrats are driven by public pressure toward consensus answers and international best practice.”
Mr. Lukashenko’s eccentricities predate the coronavirus. For a time he appeared in public in matching military uniforms with his young son, whom he called his “talisman.” He roller skates. His views on the virus are in a sense part of this pattern.Mr. Lukashenko’s eccentricities predate the coronavirus. For a time he appeared in public in matching military uniforms with his young son, whom he called his “talisman.” He roller skates. His views on the virus are in a sense part of this pattern.
“From the start, Lukashenko and Trump shared a mistrust of the experts who assure us the virus should be fought with enhanced quarantines,” said Artyom Shraibman, director of Sense Analytics, a political consultancy in Minsk. “The difference is that, unlike Trump, Lukashenko has unlimited power.”“From the start, Lukashenko and Trump shared a mistrust of the experts who assure us the virus should be fought with enhanced quarantines,” said Artyom Shraibman, director of Sense Analytics, a political consultancy in Minsk. “The difference is that, unlike Trump, Lukashenko has unlimited power.”
Economics also play a role. A dispute with Russia over oil imports left Belarus financially wobbly before the pandemic, unable to afford unemployment payments before the August presidential election.Economics also play a role. A dispute with Russia over oil imports left Belarus financially wobbly before the pandemic, unable to afford unemployment payments before the August presidential election.
The risk for Mr. Lukashenko of imposing a lockdown now, Mr. Treisman said, was to have a healthy but impoverished population rising up against the government next summer.The risk for Mr. Lukashenko of imposing a lockdown now, Mr. Treisman said, was to have a healthy but impoverished population rising up against the government next summer.
“Doing nothing may lead to more deaths,” he said, but it might lower the risk of large protests in the lead-up to the election.“Doing nothing may lead to more deaths,” he said, but it might lower the risk of large protests in the lead-up to the election.
“For personalistic dictators like Lukashenko there is no long run,” he added. “They always have to worry about the next threat. Like Buddhists, they have to live in the moment.”“For personalistic dictators like Lukashenko there is no long run,” he added. “They always have to worry about the next threat. Like Buddhists, they have to live in the moment.”