The Cross River State Government has confirmed that 10 individuals who had contact with a Chinese national linked to a renewed case of COVID-19 have been identified and isolated.
The state epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen, stating that the individuals were traced and placed under monitoring as part of ongoing contact tracing efforts. She added that health officials also visited the Chinese national’s workplace in Akamkpa Local Government Area during the investigation.
According to Ekpenyong, the infected individual is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding well. She noted that those identified as close contacts have been restricted to their homes to prevent further spread.
She urged residents to remain vigilant, emphasizing that COVID-19—first identified six years ago—has not been completely eradicated. She advised the public to maintain proper hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, use of sanitizers, wearing face masks, and adherence to public health guidelines.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, confirmed the development and said measures have been activated to contain any potential outbreak. He reassured residents that there is no cause for panic.
“COVID-19 is not peculiar to Nigeria, but we are determined to contain it. There is no need for alarm,” he said, while noting that global travel continues to pose risks of new infections.
