People’s Quarantine: Appeal To Citizens Of Belarus

The quarantine will last from March 23 to April 5.

Leaders of the Belarusian opposition and public figures addressed the citizens of Belarus. We give the text of their appeal in full:

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to life.” The same fundamental right is enshrined in Article 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus.

However, the regime in Belarus considers otherwise. During the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the most dangerous pandemic of the 21st century, the authorities are doing everything to make the spread of this disease in Belarus uncontrollable, endangering the lives of all residents of our country, without exception.

The government has demonstrated its complete inability to take adequate measures to counter the rapid spread of the pandemic in Belarus. The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and other departments do not fulfill their professional duty, but follow the orders from above, depriving people of reliable and regular information about the coronavirus, and its distribution in Belarus.

The authorities habitually struggle with the people, not with the pandemic, exposing people to mortal danger. Calls not to panic on the part of the authorities cover up the lack of the necessary means and equipment to combat this terrible disease. There is no panic in Belarus, but it will certainly arise due to the actions of the official bodies.

To conduct classes at universities and schools today is a crime. Schools are closed throughout Europe.

In this situation, difficult for the people, we support all public initiatives to counter the epidemic, and call for popular mobilization.

We suggest introducing People’s Quarantine from March 23 to April 5, which includes the following measures:

- refuse to participate in any public events;

- do not send children to nurseries, kindergartens, schools and other educational institutions;

- do not attend universities, require the administration of educational institutions to introduce distance learning;

- if possible, limit your social contacts to a minimum. In many countries, it is justifiable during quarantine to leave your home only to go to a grocery store or pharmacy.

- ensure self-isolation and compliance with sanitary rules, conduct thorough disinfection of places of residence, especially dormitories.

We can and must take care of ourselves, our family and friends, and pay special attention to our elderly relatives.

Only the solidarity of the citizens of Belarus and the mass People’s quarantine can force the authorities to introduce national quarantine following the example of the neighboring countries, including measures for social support for parents raising children under 8 years old, a special program to support workers and employers of all forms of ownership, as well as the economy as a whole.

We express our support to everyone who today takes all measures to cope with the coronavirus in Belarus. We ask the media, bloggers and all citizens to disseminate this appeal.

We will be together, support each other!

The right to life must be protected today and always.

Long Live Belarus!

Uladzimir Niakliayeu, poet, Chairman of the movement “For Statehood and Independence of Belarus”

Andrei Sannikov, Coordinator of the civil campaign “European Belarus”

Stsiapan Sviatlou (NEXTA), blogger

Pavel Seviarynets, Co-Chairman of the Belarusian Christian Democracy

Mikalai Statkevich, Chairman of the People’s Hramada party

Henadz Fiadynich, Trade Union of Radio-Electronic Industry Workers (REP)

Yury Khaschavatski, film director.