RismadarVoice Reporters, April 23, 2026
The Cross River State Government has dismissed reports suggesting a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in the state, describing claims of multiple new cases as misleading.
The clarification follows widespread reports alleging that about 10 new symptomatic cases had been recorded, raising public concern over a possible outbreak.
However, health authorities insist that only one confirmed case currently exists in the state.
Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, in a statement issued in Calabar, explained that the individuals referenced in the reports were merely contacts traced from the lone confirmed case and not new infections.
According to him, the state has not recorded any additional confirmed or suspected cases as of April 23, 2026. He stressed that the identified contacts are asymptomatic and do not meet the criteria for suspected COVID-19 cases.
The commissioner noted that the individuals are currently under home isolation and are being monitored by health officials as part of routine containment measures. He added that contact tracing remains a standard public health response aimed at preventing potential spread, rather than evidence of new infection.
Authorities had earlier confirmed a single COVID-19 case involving a foreign national receiving treatment in the state, with officials reporting that the patient is responding well to care.
Ayuk urged residents to disregard misinformation and rely on official channels for updates, assuring that the government remains committed to transparency and effective disease surveillance.
He further called on the public to remain calm and continue observing basic preventive measures, as the state intensifies efforts to contain any potential health risks.
