MINSK, 5 November (BelTA) – We should not count on foreign assistance in the fight against COVID-19 but rely on our own forces. While providing the necessary medical care to people, we need to concentrate on the main areas, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss the measures to counter the spread of viral infections, BelTA hs learned.
"They promised us back in the days of Vladimir Karanik [former Healthcare Minister) to provide from $50 million to $150 million for COVID-19 response. However, they said they will be treating civil society…,” the head of state noted. "They will not help us. They need a mess, a mutiny. Not even a revolution but a coup. This is why we don't have to count on them."
"We should rely on our forces. At the same time I ask you to bear in mind that one day of treatment of COVID-19 patients costs, according to estimates, from Br90 to Br220. One day! This is a lot of money. This is why I invited the governors for the meeting. It is your primary duty to count every kopeck. There is no extra money in the country," Alexander Lukashenko said.