Edo speaker: Local herbs contributed to my recovery from COVID-19

Frank Okiye, speaker of the Edo state house of assembly, says local herbs assisted him  in recovering from COVID-19.

The speaker tested positive for the virus in March after he returned from the United Kingdom.

He was discharged on Monday after testing negative twice.

Speaking about his experience on Tuesday, Okiye said what saved him was early treatment after he became symptomatic.

“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,” Okiye said.

“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.”

The speaker officially resumed work on Tuesday.