Leadership around the world during the current coronavirus pandemic has varied, a lot. Certainly, keeping up with all the news is impossible. Perhaps we tend to keep abreast of what’s happening in places we have an affinity for. Maybe we’ve visited these countries or plan to visit them when the skies open up and travel restrictions are eased. Or maybe we have family or friends living overseas so we have a special interest in their countries.
I have friends in the states who are Belarusian. They love teaching me about their home country, Belarus. And I enjoy learning about life in Belarus, its history, food, and culture. I’ve been invited to visit Belarus many times though have yet to make the trip.
My affinity for my Belarusian friends is why this story caught my eye. I have to say it’s the weirdest, dare I say one of the craziest, responses by a country’s leader to the coronavirus crisis.
Business As Usual in Belarus Means Parades During a Coronavirus Pandemic
Ever heard of curing diseases with vodka? How about by playing hockey? Hmm, maybe drinking vodka while playing hockey would do the trick? I kid you not. This is what the President of Belarus offers as the remedy to COVID-19.
The president’s approach to the coronavirus in Belarus has been rather contrary to the approach taken by other leaders across the world. And the parades must go on. Of course, and thankfully, civil society has rallied to fix what the president won’t.
Image: Needpix
Final Thoughts
I’m no politician, nor do I lead a country during this pandemic. I might have some say in what goes on around my house though 🙂 But sometimes there are stories that have me shaking my head in disbelief. This is one of those times.
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5 comments
The sad thing is, most commenters will laugh at this sort of response. In reality, it’s a country taking a virus as seriously as it needs to be taken, which is not very much.
Was in Belarus last year – aside from Some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had, there’s nothing that would make me want to return to that country.
That said, it’s heartening to see places like this, Sweden, or even India, clearly bucking the trend, I’m running Their countries independently, not like the rest of the herd.
I’d wager at least $500, the country like Belarus, ends up having exactly the same mortality rate, and proportional number of deaths, as any of the countries that imprisoned their citizens.
I wonder if any of the media will report on that in a year?
You make valid points, George, and I appreciate you taking the time to post them. As you suggest, it will be interesting going forward to see the stats on countries who bucked the trends. Time will tell for us all.
Also, George, my Belarusian friends are VERY very good cooks. I imagine I’d favor the food in Belarus as well!
Somebody clearly forgot to read what happened after Philadelphia threw a parade in 1918 during the Spanish Flu epidemic….
Thanks for your comment, AC. I’ll have to refresh my memory and read about the parade you’re referring to.