Health Minister Lizzie Nkosi says steaming locally known as kufutsa may only relieve COVID-19 symptoms and make the person feel better but it will not kill the virus in the body.

The Minister was speaking in a press briefing that was held at Cabinet Offices on Thursday.

Nkosi advised those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 not to rely solely on steaming but also do a medical check-up in order to determine more supportive measures. However, she also noted the risks of steaming which she said include burns on the skin and inhalation injuries.

“Kufutsa may relieve symptoms & make the person feel better; however this will not kill the coronavirus in the body & is therefore not a treatment for COVID-19. A medical check-up is still required to determine supportive care needed,” said the Health Minister.

She also advised those who have been diagnosed with COVI-19 to follow the basic rules of correctly wearing masks, frequently washing hands, or use sanitizers, and keeping a distance from people as much as possible.

She said they should visit a Home Care Initial Service Point (e.g Malagwane) for an initial health assessment. For those presenting with severe symptoms, the Minister said they should immediately go to their nearest hospital or health centre for further analysis and treatment.

On home remedies, Nkosi encouraged Emaswati to first undergo a clinical assessment to determine the severity of the illness and rule out comorbidities as a majority of deaths occur in those with comorbidities.

On another note, Nkosi advised families that the virus is circulating swiftly among households since a majority of them have more than 6 persons under one roof. She advised that social distancing and wearing of masks must be observed regardless of there being a COVID-19 positive family member or not.