Health Commissioner Slams Report Of Multiple Covid-19 Cases, Declares Only One Case

The Cross River State Government has refuted a publication by Daily Trust and other online platforms alleging the discovery of 10 new persons with COVID-19 symptoms, describing the report as misleading and inconsistent with the state’s current public health records.

In an official rejoinder issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, clarified that the state still has only one confirmed case of COVID-19, with no additional infections recorded.

The clarification follows a report titled “Cross River Identifies 10 More Persons With COVID Symptoms,” which suggested a possible spread of the virus in the state.

However, the Commissioner explained that the ten individuals referenced in the report are merely contacts of the confirmed case, identified through routine contact tracing, and not new or suspected infections.

“As clearly communicated during our press briefing in Calabar on April 21, there are no additional confirmed cases in Cross River State,” Ayuk stated.

He further explained that none of the identified contacts is currently exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19, emphasizing that they do not fall under the category of suspected or confirmed cases.

To ensure public understanding, the Ministry outlined key distinctions: contacts are individuals who have had close interaction with a confirmed case; suspected cases are those showing symptoms; while confirmed cases are individuals who have tested positive through laboratory diagnosis.

Ayuk noted that, in line with standard public health protocols, the identified contacts have been placed under home isolation and are being monitored daily by health officials for any signs of the virus.

“This is purely a preventive measure and does not indicate any new infections,” he stressed.

The state government reiterated its commitment to transparency and timely dissemination of accurate health information, urging residents to disregard unverified reports and rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health.

While encouraging continued adherence to basic preventive measures, the Commissioner assured citizens that there is no cause for alarm, as the situation remains under control.