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Herald Reporter

There is no specific medicine for Covid-19 as yet, contrary to social media messages suggesting various concoctions, the Health and Child Care Ministry has said.

In a statement last night, the ministry said: “There is no specific medicine to prevent or treat coronavirus disease (Covid-19). There is no evidence that the various concoctions that are being advertised or written about work.

“Those infected with the virus receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms while those with severe illness receive optimised supportive care.”

The ministry said some patients with severe Covid-19 may need supportive care to help them breathe.

If one has mild symptoms, they should stay at home until full recovery.

The symptoms can be relieved through rest, sleep, keeping warm and drinking plenty of fluids.

Government says if one develops a fever, cough, and have difficulty in breathing, they should promptly seek medical care, preferably through calling a health care provider in advance and informing them of any recent travel or recent contact with travellers.

The Health Ministry can be contacted on toll-free line 2019 or the Youth Advocates Forum toll-free line 393. The lines operate 24 hours a day.

As Zimbabwe responds to the Covid-19 outbreak, the public is encouraged to adopt preventive measures including avoiding close contact with anyone with a cold or flu-like symptoms, covering one’s mouth and nose with tissue or flexed elbow when coughing and sneezing.

The tissue should be immediately thrown away while hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and running water.

In terms of masks, the ministry encourages their use in specific situations such as when taking care of a person with suspected Covid-19 infection; and when coughing or sneezing.

People wearing masks are discouraged from touching them.

When queueing, the best strategy to prevent transmission is practising social distancing, which applies to everyone including those in the food business and in the external public areas where customers may need to queue.

Supermarkets are encouraged to avoid crowding while takeaways and restaurants should offer pick-up services to reduce contact between people.

Critically, citizens are encouraged to stay home.