President Mnangagwa today said pandemics like coronavirus
(Covid-19) cannot be blamed on anyone since they have a scientific explanation,
and called on Zimbabweans to empathise with those affected.
In a statement, the President sent his condolences and
solidarity to all those who were already suffering due to the effects of the
deadly virus.
“Pandemics of this kind have a scientific explanation and
knows no boundary, and like any other natural phenomenon cannot be blamed on
anyone,” he said.
“We have all witnessed the tragic scenes in China, Iran,
Italy and other countries around the world. We stand with our friends in the
international community. My Government empathises with the affected people
around the globe and stands ready to assist in whatever ways within our
capacity.”
The President’s statement comes in the wake of remarks by
Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri who at the
weekend insinuated that COVID-19 was God’s response to countries that imposed
sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri was speaking at a Zimbabwe
National Liberation War Collaborators Association meeting in Chinhoyi on
Saturday.
She said in Shona: “This coronavirus that has come are
sanctions against the countries that have imposed sanctions on us. God is now
punishing them now and they are staying indoors now, while their economy is
screaming like what they did to ours by imposing sanctions on us.
“Trump should know that he is not God. They must face the
consequences of coronavirus, so that they also feel the pain.”
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe stands by the
international community in fighting the Covid-19, and that it was time to look
after each other, especially the weak and vulnerable.
He said even though the virus was yet to strike in
Zimbabwe, it was important not to “rest on our laurels”.
COVID-19, said the President, was the worst global
pandemic, and perhaps the greatest threat to humanity since the great wars of
the last century.
“My Government empathises with the affected people around
the globe and stands ready to assist in whatever ways within our capacity. As a
nation we must stand strong. Strong and united. Strong and vigilant. We must
act early and we must act sensibly.”
President Mnangagwa said Government was working to ensure
doctors and nurses had the necessary know-how and equipment to deal with the
Covid-19 threat.
He advised people to seek early treatment if they developed
symptoms of the virus. Covid-19 has claimed more than 6 000 people worldwide,
after it was first noticed in China’s Wuhan city in December last year.
He repeated the medical advice given around the world and
in Zimbabwe. “If you have a cough, a sore throat, a temperature, or if you feel
unwell please stay away from crowds, please stay away from the elderly, and if
you can, stay at home until all symptoms have disappeared. Make sure to wash
your hands thoroughly and maintain best hygiene practices.”
He noted that Zimbabweans have suffered the effects of
climate change, struggled through economic downturns and have faced many
challenges.
“As we all work to build a new Zimbabwe and a new future,
let us start by getting the basics right. Protect your health. Protect your
families. Protect your people. God bless you all.” Herald
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