Chinese Tests Positive For COVID-19 In Cross River

Cross River State has recorded its first COVID-19 case in four years. The patient is a Chinese national who works with a major cement firm in the state.

The state commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, confirmed the outbreak in his office. He stated that the case involved a man who flew into the country and later tested positive.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed a single case of COVID-19 in Cross River State, stating that the situation is under control and that there is no evidence of wider community transmission.

In a statement by its director-general, Dr Jide Idris, the agency said the confirmed case had been isolated and was currently receiving care in line with national treatment guidelines.

The patient, according to the agency, is in stable condition and responding well to treatment.

According to him, “We have a positive case, a Chinese that flew into the country has been confirmed to be COVID 19 positive.”

Dr Jide noted that following confirmation of the case, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the agency and its partners, swiftly activated response measures. These include intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and strengthened infection prevention and control protocols.

“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission,” he said.

The DG added that Nigeria’s routine surveillance systems for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections remain active and effective, stressing that the detection of the case demonstrates continued vigilance.

While urging calm, he advised members of the public to maintain proper hand and respiratory hygiene, stay home and seek medical attention when feeling unwell, and rely on updates from official public health authorities.

NCDC assured Nigerians that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates as necessary.