WHO expert team provided the Belarusian authorities with guidance on epidemiology and surveillance, laboratory services, patient management, infection prevention and control, and risk communication. They also met with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to discuss one-of-government approach in responding to the pandemic. They visited health-care facilities, public health centres, laboratories and emergency centres at the national, regional and city levels to understand the transmission patterns of the virus, and recommend actions to control the outbreak. The experts
As the COVID-19 outbreak in Belarus enters the community transmission phase, the country needs to introduce community-wide steps to increase physical distancing, according to the recommendations of a team of WHO experts at the end of its assessment of the country’s response to the pandemic.
The WHO experts on mission to Belarus also recommended, among others, public engagement by all levels of government to clearly, transparently and regularly communicate the risks, health advice and response measures, including postponing gatherings and curtailing movement; as well as a continuation of essential health services and socioeconomic support for those in need, especially the most vulnerable.