Vavi to test for third time after second positive Covid-19 result

Zwelinzima Vavi is still positive for Covid-19 but was no longer showing any symptoms of the virus
Zwelinzima Vavi is still positive for Covid-19 but was no longer showing any symptoms of the virus
Image: DANIEL BORN

Unionist Zwelinzima Vavi is to test  for Covid-19 for a third time after his second test results came back positive.

The SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) leader was discharged from hospital two weeks ago after testing positive for the virus.

On Thursday, he shared on Twitter that he and his youngest son were getting tested for the second time, saying: “If we test positive still, it would only mean that the virus has taken longer to die.”

On Tuesday, Vavi told Jacaranda FM that he was still positive for Covid-19 after testing for a second time but was no longer showing any symptoms of the virus.

He said his son, who tested positive in March, was now negative.

He said his wife, who initially was negative, was now positive and would test again when they went together for testing.

“I drank lots of water and rested for hours. I also drank lots of vitamin C and iron and have had a lot of garlic — never had to munch garlic in the manner I have been doing in the past few days and weeks,”  Vavi said.

“Yet on the 14th day I went back, and I was still positive and it was sort of a little setback, but I was forewarned that it was possible and that the virus might refuse to go away and that I might need to go back if that happens, and I’ll go on Friday.”

On April 14, Vavi shared on Twitter that he was taking vitamin C and chewing on garlic and raw ginger in a bid to boost his immune system.

“[I] also exercise to push the lungs a little bit but not too much,” he said.

Eating garlic and ginger have not been listed as preventive measures against contracting the virus. Antibiotics also do not work against the virus.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties.

However, there is no evidence that it protects people from the coronavirus.

The best way to prevent getting the virus is to practise proper hygiene.

 

In a video on Sunday taken at his home, Vavi shared the news of his test results.

“I received my results and unfortunately for me, they are still positive,” he said.

“Luckily for my son, he is now negative. I would of course like to be negative like everybody else but I was forewarned by [health minister] Dr Zweli Mkhize that [recovery] depends on how big the impact of the coronavirus was on your body.”    — TimesLIVE


subscribe

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.