Patient 6: “It’s Not a Death Sentence”

Nigel Espat is expected to be re-tested early next week to determine if his body has been able to dispose of the virus. He will be re-tested twice according to health officials. The businessman says he has been keeping a positive mind, staying away from negativity and encouraging an end to stigma and discrimination. He says that while COVID-19 is not a death sentence, he is urging Belizeans to follow the advice and take the threat seriously.

On the Phone: Nigel Espat, COVID-19 Patient

“I understand that there were some things that were already posted on social media, a lot of negative things a lot of them based on speculation and I don’t want to indulge in any of that. I am listening to the news and there is one thing that concerns me about this entire thing is that there seems to be a growing stigma about it. And I think my case perhaps is a good example that it is not a death sentence, that the majority of people do recover. It is important that everyone takes precaution. But on a whole perhaps the media needs to highlight that there are a lot of people who are recovering from this thing and it is not an automatic death sentence and people need not to panic.”

Hipolito Novelo

“You know there is a lot of fear when it comes to COVID-19 and contracting the disease, what will you want tell Belizeans those who are staying at home and even those who are not taking it seriously.”

On the Phone: Nigel Espat

“I think people should be taking it seriously. The thing is, like I said it is not an automatic death sentence and my case shows that. Health wise I am feeling I am feeling fairly well. I have been feeling fairly well except for the sinus problem. However no one knows if they will get mild symptoms or severe symptoms. There is a contrast between me and Hubert. Hubert is no longer with us. His symptoms were severe.”

Tests conducted on some family members including his father, have returned negative, says Espat.