The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Ruth Labode, who recently tested positive for Covid-19 and is in isolation, has urged people take the virus seriously describing it as one that knows no boundaries and social stature.
She said the public needed to be cautious and take medical advice seriously as the virus was spreading fast and could be found anywhere.
“I am isolating as we speak until 14 days lapse, I am also practicing social distancing too and eating healthy. My routine currently includes inhaling hot water (ukufutha/kunatira) with eucalyptus, I also take some medication as was prescribed and I am taking low salt, sugar and fat in my meals,” she said in a telephone interview.
Dr Labode, an experienced medical doctor said Covid-19 was not a “cheap” disease to manage and prevention was always better.
“It’s not a very cheap disease for the poor person, I dread to think how other people are managing it. You have to be pumping in lemon water, pumping in garlic, ginger and many other herbs that help and they are not cheap. But I am better and coping very well,” she said.
She said, her husband was also in isolation as he tested positive for the virus.
“My husband was affected also, we tested positive on the same day. If you noticed, the pharmacy he runs was closed and all workers were tested and sent home after that. After results come out, the workers who are negative will return to work,” she said.
Asked if she regrets visiting any places where she may have contracted the novel virus, Dr Labode said she does not know where she contracted the virus from.
“I actually do not know where I got it from, I travelled quite a lot. I was in Mutare with Parliament but then I know for sure there was another group of parliamentarians that came from Victoria Falls where some people tested positive. So, it is so difficult to tell whether it’s just in that House (Parliament Building) that we go to or what.
“If I regretted it, I would be asking where other Members of Parliament got it. It’s so difficult to tell because we inter-mingle so much. My group was in Mutare and I am the only one who was reported so far and I do not think I got it from there. There was another group which came from Victoria Falls where two MPs are reported to be positive so it is a mystery but it would be nice if they unravel it properly and we know,” she said.
Dr Labode said she was tucked in her home isolating with her husband.
“I am isolating at home although it’s only me and my husband, it is manageable. The decision is,however, made by the council who came immediately after I tested positive and they came to the house to check on me and also took down my contacts so that they do contact tracing.
The council has contacted them and have visited their homes too.
Everybody is doing their best I can say. Surviving Covid-19 is the grace of God,” she added.
Dr Labode said she hopes and trusts in God and was not afraid.
“I am definitely not afraid of this virus and my hopes are pinned on God. My prayer is for the poor people who really can’t afford the medication, drugs involved are quite expensive. These are not the type of drugs you find in Government institutions; you have to go to private pharmacies,” she said.
She also proffered some advice for the average person who may be infected.
“The average person, the best solution now is the natural way, ukufutha/kunatira several times a day as it clears your lungs and throat, drinking a lot of lemon water and there is a likelihood that you can clear the virus.
I am hoping that as we move towards summer, around September, the virus would naturally start disappearing as it does not cohabit very well with heat,” she said.
Dr Labode, however, said, if one gets symptoms of Covid-19 they should stay away from others.
“If you get flu like symptoms, stay away from others, always wear your mask and as much as possible whether you are sick or have been diagnosed or not start ukufutha already and drink warm water and stay away from cold water and drinks and stay safe,” she advised.
