Cross River state government, Thursday, denied registering 10 persons with COVID-19 symptoms, an update a top government official gave on Wednesday April 22, 2026.
In an official rejoinder, 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.
He said although 10 persons, who had contact with the Chinese national with the dreaded virus, had been restricted to their homes, they do not have symptoms of the COVID.
He added that the ten individuals referenced in the viral reports 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 said none of the identified contacts is currently exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19, adding that they do not fall under the category of suspected or confirmed cases.
To ensure public understanding, the commissioner further stated that “contacts are individuals who have had close interaction with a confirmed case and 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 it does not indicate any new infections,” he stated.
The state government reiterated its commitment to transparency and timely dissemination of accurate health information, while urging residents to rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health.