KARACHI: Sharing his experiences in the 17-day isolation period he had undergone after suffering from Covid-19, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said on Sunday that the coronavirus was not the disease that essentially culminated in death.

In a statement, he said that the death rate from the coronavirus was very low and its patients could defeat Covid-19 by adopting precautionary measures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in this regard.

The governor said that herbs were helpful in curing the symptoms of coronavirus and he himself used sana maki (senna leaves) and ginger water during the quarantine and these things helped him get better.

He said there was no authentic medicine or vaccine available for this virus and “you have to be in constant contact with your pulmonologist for ensuring required oxygen saturation levels that should not go below 92, as it could be fatal”.

Imran Ismail has shared his experience of spending 17 days in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19

He said that the same could be monitored at home with the help of an oxymetre.

Governor Ismail said that the isolation period provided you an opportunity of self-assessment. “You can go through various decisions, acts made and things which you were not able to perform,” he added.

“The isolation period makes you more closer to the Creator and we can thank Allah for His countless blessings upon us and also seek His forgiveness for our misdeeds,” he said. “Although you are even away from your loved ones, and it seems to be a solitary confinement, but it is a blessing in disguise. You can do many things which you were unable to do due to lack of time or concentration.”

He said that these 17 days were tough but were a great experience which enhanced his vision and perspective about various matters. “I fully believe that there is always something behind all the things Allah gives us,” he remarked.

The governor said that he was confident that the 17-day “training” would make him stronger and help him discharge his duties with even more zeal and zest.

Advising Covid-19 patients, he said that they must fight the virus with precautionary measures and keep up the hope. “This is the only way this virus could be defeated,” he added.

He thanked all those who expressed their best wishes and prayed for his recovery. “I am indebted by their letters, messages and phone calls,” he added.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2020