MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) – The Belarusian Healthcare Ministry advises everyone arriving in Belarus to self-isolate in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, deputy head of the department for hygiene, epidemiology and disease prevention at the Healthcare Ministry Inna Karaban told reporters on 23 March, BelTA has learned.
“We advise everyone who returns from a holiday or a business trip to another country to self-isolate,” Inna Karaban said. People arriving in Belarus get a special booklet at a border checkpoint and have to sign a document committing to follow all the rules. The booklet instructs people to work from home, abstain from visiting relatives, limit contacts even with their family members and, if possible, fully self-isolate.
Another advisable measure is social distancing. It does not prohibit going out, but envisages staying 1-1.5m apart from other people during walks to prevent the spread of the virus. “Saliva or mucus droplets containing virus particles that are released during coughing, sneezing or even talking can travel this distance,” Inna Karaban noted. Social distancing helps avoid infecting other people.
People with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection are urged to stay at home. “People should remain at home in view of the situation in our neighboring countries. If this is not an option, one should wear a face mask,” Inna Karaban added.