The Cross River government has disputed reports of ten additional COVID-19 symptomatic cases, calling the assertion deceptive and wrong and repeating that only one confirmed case exists in the state.
The statement came after a national daily reported that the state had found new people with COVID-19 symptoms, sparking concerns among residents about a potential return of infections throughout areas.
It should be noted that Dr. Henry Ayuk, the commissioner for health, already acknowledged a COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working in the state who is currently undergoing treatment and doing well.
In a statement made on Thursday in Calabar, Ayuk stated that as of April 23, 2026, Cross River had only one confirmed COVID-19 case and no new confirmed or suspected cases.
He noted that the ten people included in the paper were contacts traced from a single confirmed case and that contact tracing was still a typical public health approach to prevent potential spread.
According to him, the individuals are not symptomatic and do not satisfy the criteria for suspected cases, and they are being isolated at home and monitored daily by health experts.
Ayuk emphasized that the isolation measure was strictly preventive and should not be construed as evidence of new infections, stating that the state has not reported any new COVID-19 cases.
He asked the public to avoid misinformation and instead rely on official Ministry of Health and Social Welfare updates, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and prompt transmission of factual information.
Ayuk also advised locals to remain calm, follow prescribed preventive measures, and continue to support activities aimed at protecting public health and limiting the spread of infectious diseases statewide.
