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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Cross River State dismisses report of new COVID-19 cases

From The Punch · (9h ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Cross River Government has refuted claims of 10 new symptomatic COVID-19 cases, stating only one confirmed case exists in the state.
  • Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Ayuk clarified that the individuals mentioned were contact-traced from the single confirmed case and are asymptomatic.
  • The government urged the public to rely on official updates and remain calm, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and public health.

Reports circulating nationally alleging a surge in COVID-19 cases within Cross River State have been firmly dismissed by the state government as misleading and inaccurate. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has moved to quell public anxiety, reaffirming that the state currently has only one confirmed COVID-19 case.

As of April 23, 2026, Cross River had only one confirmed COVID-19 case and no new confirmed or suspected cases recorded.

— Dr Henry AyukCommissioner for Health, Cross River State, clarifying the current COVID-19 situation.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, issued a statement to clarify the situation, explaining that the individuals who were reportedly showing symptoms are, in fact, contacts traced from the single confirmed case. Crucially, these individuals are asymptomatic and are undergoing precautionary home isolation, a standard public health measure, not indicative of new infections.

The 10 individuals referenced in the report were contacts traced from the single confirmed case, noting that contact tracing remained a standard public health response to contain potential spread.

— Dr Henry AyukCommissioner for Health, Cross River State, explaining the status of individuals mentioned in a misleading report.

This clarification is vital for maintaining public trust and preventing unnecessary panic. The government's commitment to transparency is evident in its proactive approach to addressing misinformation. Residents are urged to disregard unsubstantiated claims and to rely solely on official communications from the Ministry of Health. The state remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, ensuring that accurate information guides public response.

The isolation measure was purely precautionary and should not be interpreted as evidence of new infections, reiterating that the state had not recorded any additional COVID-19 cases.

— Dr Henry AyukCommissioner for Health, Cross River State, emphasizing the precautionary nature of isolation for traced contacts.

From our perspective in Cross River, the swift and clear rebuttal demonstrates the government's dedication to responsible public health management. While international coverage might focus on the global pandemic narrative, our local concern is ensuring our communities are accurately informed and not subjected to fear-mongering based on misinterpretations of standard contact-tracing procedures. The emphasis remains on calm, adherence to guidelines, and trust in our health officials.

Residents should remain calm, adhere to recommended preventive measures, and continue supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases statewide.

— Dr Henry AyukCommissioner for Health, Cross River State, urging public cooperation and adherence to health guidelines.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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