Belarus President Says "Vodka" Is the Best COVID-19 Prevention Method...Netizens Criticize

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The President of Belarus is being criticized for spreading misinformation about preventive measures against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to Russian Interfax news agency on the 19th, Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, during a meeting held after appointing key officials in his country, said regarding COVID-19, "Wash your hands more often and eat meals on time," adding, "I am not a drinker, but don’t just wash your hands with vodka; you should drink about 40-50g daily to kill the virus."

He also added that using a dry sauna 2 to 3 times a day is beneficial for health.

This statement spread to the neighboring country, Russia.

Yevgeny Bryun, a doctor affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Health, emphasized, "Drinking alcohol actually worsens the situation," and "The most important thing is to maintain strict hygiene."

Additionally, President Lukashenko encouraged citizens to work in the countryside and drive tractors as a way to overcome COVID-19, according to the Russian English-language newspaper Moscow Times.

Belarus, a former Soviet state, is known as a region famous for tractor production.

Regarding President Lukashenko’s remarks, online users criticized, questioning whether other European countries are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases because they lack tractors and vodka.

Meanwhile, as of the 19th, Belarus has reported 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases. On the same day, Russia reported 147 confirmed cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.