Coronavirus fight cost Belarus half a billion rubles - Lukashenka

The fight against the coronavirus has cost Belarus half a billion - not dollars but rubles. This is about $200 million. This figure was announced by Alyaksandr Lukashenka at the meeting with the 'economic bloc' of the government on July 23. He stressed that "Belarusians should know" about it. "There are additional costs for medicine and funds to support the real economy," his press service quotes the head of state as saying. "But people are always more important than money."

Lukashenka praised the national health care system and the reducing number of COVID-19 patients.

"I mean not the tested ones, but those who are really sick," said the Belarusian leader. "But the situation in the world is far from being optimistic: almost 15 million people have been infected with this disease."

Lukashenka once again said he recommended Belarusians not to go on vacation abroad, as there is a danger of the second wave of coronavirus. However, there is no ban on such trips. "But after returning to the country, you'll sit quarantined at your own expense," warned Lukashenka, adding  "with all the ensuing consequences."

The head of state recalled "wonderful places" like the Braslau Lakes, Lake Narach, Belavezhskaya Pushcha, etc. "We have created all conditions for a comprehensive and safe rest," he said at the meeting. "So I advise you to take care of yourself, your relatives and friends."