Council dispels coronavirus myths, misconceptions

Lilongwe district commissioner Lawford Palani has dismissed claims some people are making that kachasu (a local liquor) can kill coronavirus (Covid-19).

He said the council has since sent a team of health personnel into communities with the right messages on Covid-19.

Palani said: “We know that it is a new disease and a lot of myths and beliefs have surrounded it.

“As a council, we have taken note of such misconceptions and have developed messages along those lines.”

A visit to Lilongwe Rural last week revealed a lot of misconceptions people have on Covid-19 transmission.

Joseph Beta, 35, who runs a phone and accessory mobile shop in the district, said he heard that once the virus is in contact with alcohol, it dies.

Besides, Beta believes that the infection only attacks white people, so there was no need to panic.

“I interact with a lot of people as I sell my merchandise on market days in different locations, but I am not afraid of the virus,” he said.

Catherine Chikonombo, a kachasu seller at Kabudula Market, said  she heard about the virus on radio, but had not yet started practising recommended preventive measures.

She said once in a while she offers water for washing hands to her customers, but without soap.

“Life is normal as we haven’t yet started following the recommendations  because we hear the infection is for white people only,” said Chikonombo.

Palani, however, warned people not to believe myths that drinking alcohol will prevent the infection.