Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye, who was once tested positive, has survived the Coronavirus pandemic and he is sharing his survival experience.
The Assembly Speaker was one of the seven patients recently discharged after recovering fully from the virus, having tested negative twice.
Okiye, who officially resumed work, on Tuesday, urged residents in the state to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the state government to get tested and halt further spread of COVID-19.
The Speaker said: “The virus is not a death sentence. I thank the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government, the medical team and members of my family and others who prayed for me.
“It is common knowledge that the virus has no cure or vaccine. It is not a death sentence. People should take the directives of the government and health experts on social distancing and other instructions seriously.”
Speaking further, Okiye added, “What saved the day for me was early treatment. The test was carried out after I became symptomatic. It is better to know your status early enough.
“People should be cautious. We should comply with the directives of the state government to check the spread of the virus. I went into self-isolation after returning from the United Kingdom. Suspecting that I was exposed, I needed to save my family.
“So, I contacted the Commissioner for Health, who came with a team of medical professionals to inspect the place set up for my self-isolation.”
Narrating his battle with the virus, the Speaker revealed: “It was after I tested positive for Coronavirus that I became a bit destabilised.
“After a while and with continuous interaction with people, I started overcoming the virus with local herbs and medication.
“I was placed on drugs to deal with the symptoms. Few days later, I started feeling better. Mine was with mild symptoms. I was not hit hard by the virus,” he concluded.
