HARARE South Member of Parliament (MP), Honorable Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa has tested positive for COVID-19 and he wants the world to know.
By Michael Gwarisa
Speaking to HealthTimes in a brief conversation, Hon Mnangagwa said he wanted to raise awareness on the disease and break the stigma and discrimination around it.
“Let’s remove the stigma around it and show people you can make it, Let’s demystify the disease,” said Hon Mnangagwa.
“I have tested positive for coronavirus disease Co-vid 19 and I am appealing to everyone who has been in contact with me to take precautionary measures and get tested and/or go into isolation whilst practicing all the safety precautions,” said Hon Mnangagwa.
In an earlier statement, which was shared by Honorable Mnanagwa together with his tests results, he said COVID-19 was not something easy as it deters you from your loved ones and also affects the people around you that love you.
“Its is not a situation i would want anyone to be in…. Its a painful road, having to get up each day and hope to make it to the next. I sometimes experience pain that is so excruciating that I feel like letting go. This disease has taken away our loved ones and continues to do so and this is sad. It would not be fair for me not to open up because I know I work with a lot of people and I do not want to see them lose their lives. I also owe it to the electorate who voted for me to get into parliament to represent them.
“I am appealing to you to take this seriously as a Nation, we are under attack from this deadly pandemic. Let us all stay vigilant and stay safe, this pandemic is taking lives. Kindly continue praying with and for me in this period.
Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow advice provided by your local health authority,” said Honorable Mnangagwa.
He went on to give tips on how to prevent and manage further spread of the virus.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
1)Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
2)Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
3)Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
4)Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
5)Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
6)If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
Calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This protects you, and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.
Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. Follow the advice provided by your local health authority
Please use the following hotlines:
*Dial : 2023* Covid helpline ministry of information
*Dial : 2019* or *393* rapid response for covid testing and anything to do with covid cases under the ministry of health.
