This should be interesting - "We Are Not Cancelling Anything" - Belarus President Ignores Coronavirus Threat, Urges Citizens To Drink Vodka, Play Hockey, Hit Saunas. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko does not appear too concerned about the Covid 19 pandemic. He took part in a hockey game on Saturday in Minsk, and most of the country is staying open and active. Several other sporting events are also taking place, as the country is taking few, if any, measures in reaction to the coronavirus. "It's better to die standing than to live on your knees," President Lukashenko told Reuters at the hockey rink.