'Just the common cold': Controversial statements about the corona virus from world leaders

The corona virus pandemic has led world leaders to rack their brains trying to curb the spread of the epidemic that has infected more than one million people and killed more than 50,000 people worldwide.

But some world leaders have wrinkled their foreheads because of their statements that have undermined the crisis, even stating misleading information in Covid-19. While some authorities have changed their views about the pandemic in recent weeks (US President Donald Trump, for example), several other leaders of the country have maintained a dangerous attitude.

Here are some of the most controversial statements.

'We don't open information to the public because we don't want to panic'

Source: https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/DBA1/production/_111552265_widodo.png

Indonesian President Joko Widodo admitted that he deliberately did not disclose certain information related to Covid-19 to the public to avoid panic. Indonesia only reported a positive case on March 2, but as of April 5 the case had already exceeded 2,000 (with at least 198 deaths) and the President had declared a national emergency on March 31. Academics at the London School of Hygiene estimate the actual figure is already higher than 34,000. Earlier this month, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency Doni Monardo said that herbal drinks can increase endurance against Covid-19.

'Everything is in control'

Source: https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/82EB/production/_111551533_trump.png

On January 22, two days after the corona virus was reported in the United States, President Donald Trump, in a CNBC interview, underestimated Covid-19 infection in the country. Two months later, the US then reported the second highest number of cases in the world - 245,000 cases as of April 5, according to Johns Hopkins University. While the fatality rate so far (4,513) is relatively low compared to other countries such as Italy and Spain, Trump said the death toll in the US has reached 250,000.

'Just like a common cold'

The experience of making a controversial statement did not stop Jair Bolsonaro from winning the presidency in Brazil in 2018.

But Bolsonaro's popularity plummeted after Covid-19 penetrated his country, until demonstrations emerged.

In addition to underestimating risk, Bolsonaro also set a bad example by appearing in the crowd several times with his sympathizers. He also did not agree with the 'lockdown' policy that many governors took.

While Brazil reported 7,000 cases on April 1, the outbreak has spread rapidly: the national case rate has doubled in just four days, according to Ministry of Health figures.