Belarus

Details

Total publications count

9

Publication types

Access to official information limitations
Legal prosecution
Violation of freedom of speech
Other

Country profile

In 2020, the country did not introduce severe restrictions related to coronavirus. Only in some regions was the mask regime introduced. Since October 9, 2021, wearing masks and observing distance in public places has become mandatory throughout the Republic. For non-compliance with the mask regime, fines are provided. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, pressure on freedom of speech has increased, the authorities obliged the media to delete publications about the coronavirus, citing the fact that they disseminate false information. For the same reason, several publications were fined.

Since June 2020, data on mortality from coronavirus have not been published in Belarus, experts indicate that the data provided by the authorities on the spread of the pandemic are inaccurate. A number of cases of leaks of personal data of patients and doctors were also recorded. 

From May 15, 2021, vaccinated citizens are given paper certificates of vaccination, which contain full name, passport data, vaccine name, date of implementation, name of a medical institution and QR code. Certificates are issued at the request of patients. 

As of October 10, 2021, more than 1.5 million residents of the Republic underwent full vaccination.