The Cross River State Government has firmly denied an online report titled 'Cross River Identifies 10 more persons with COVID symptoms,' calling it misleading and inaccurate.
Official Statement from Health Commissioner
In a statement issued in Calabar on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, clarified that the state currently has only one confirmed case of COVID-19, as announced during a press briefing on April 21, 2026. He emphasized that no additional confirmed cases have been recorded as of today.
Dr Ayuk explained that the 10 individuals mentioned in the report are contacts of the confirmed case, identified through routine contact tracing. They are not confirmed cases, nor are they classified as suspected cases, as none of them is currently exhibiting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
Clarification on Terminology
The Commissioner provided clear definitions to avoid confusion: contacts are individuals who have had close contact with a confirmed case; suspected cases are those showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19; and confirmed cases are those who have tested positive through laboratory diagnosis.
“In line with established public health protocols, these contacts have been placed under home isolation and are being monitored daily by health officials for any development of symptoms. This is a preventive measure and does not indicate the presence of new infections,” Dr Ayuk stated.
He stressed that it is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that Cross River State has identified 10 more persons with COVID symptoms, as no such development has been recorded.
Senate Orders Investigation
Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the reports of a fresh COVID-19 case in Cross River State. Akpabio issued the directive at the close of Wednesday's plenary, mandating the Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Senator Ipalibo Banigo, to urgently examine the situation.
The committee is expected to investigate the reported case and present its findings at the next legislative sitting. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, amid calls for heightened vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.
Lawmakers stated that the probe would assess the public health response, the preparedness of health institutions, and measures needed to contain any potential spread.
