President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, did not bow down to COVID-19. (Image via Euronews)

Alexander Lukashenko: Vodka and sauna enough for COVID-19

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Politics & Economic
International
Apr 02, 2020
2595
While other state leaders advised their people to stay home and maintain personal hygiene amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, advised the otherwise. He said that the alcoholic beverage, vodka, ice hockey, and banya (traditional sauna in Belarus) could prevent the outbreak.

Belarus is a country buffeted by Russia and Poland. While the world is turned upside down, Belarus seemed to run normally. Restaurants, parks, and bars are opened still.

Sports events are still ongoing, drawing hundreds of spectators, which went against the advisory of the World Health Organization (WHO). Belarus Premier League is now the only running football competition in the European Continent.

Reigning in Belarus for 25 years, Lukashenko does not keep a high profile. On Saturday last week, he was seen playing ice hockey. For Lukashenko, it is better a “standing” death than "living on your knee". The President really believes in the medical properties of ice hockey. He even stated that ice is the real antivirus.

Lukashenko also advised all Belarusians to take banya. While there is no evidence for the claim, the President said that the high-temperature sauna could kill the virus. He claimed that the medical experts told him that COVID-19 could not survive high-temperature.

Frankly speaking, Lukashenko then advised all of his people to drink vodka to “intoxicate” the virus. He also advised them to wash their hands regularly, the only advice that makes sense for now.

Belarus reported 94 positive COVID-19 cases without any mortality, yet. The country remains open.

Source: ttps://bit.ly/2X0VDtI

Politics , Government , Medical , Health , Pandemic , COVID-19 , Europe , Belarus