Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye has begged Edo residents to take advantage of the screening and testing centres set up by the government to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.

He revealed that the virus is not a death sentence while thanking the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government, the medical team and members of his family who prayed for him.

According to him, he overcame the virus with local herbs and medication but he was lucky because his symptoms were very mild, and not as worse as everyone feared.

He added that everyone should remain careful during this period during the pandemic and listen to directives of the government, health experts on social distancing and other instructions.

His words, “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.”

“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.

“It was after I tested positive for coronavirus that I became a bit destabilized. 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.”