Cross River Isolates 10 in Fresh COVID Scare from Chinese National

CALABAR – Six years after the global pandemic first reshaped society, Cross River State health officials are back on high alert. The state government confirmed on Wednesday that it has identified and isolated 10 persons exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 following a “reimportation” of the virus into the country.

​The suspected cases were uncovered through an intensive contact-tracing exercise centered around a Chinese national who recently tested positive for the virus.

​Immediate Containment in Akamkpa

​The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, revealed that the 10 individuals were identified after health teams visited the Chinese national’s place of work in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

​”We have restricted their movements to their homes to ensure they do not spread the symptoms to others,” Dr. Ekpenyong stated. She further confirmed that the primary patient—the Chinese national—is currently receiving care and “responding to treatment” at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

​A Familiar Foe

​The news of the virus’s return was first broken on Monday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk. While the announcement has stirred memories of the 2020 lockdowns, Dr. Ayuk emphasized that the state’s public health mechanisms are significantly more robust today.

​”COVID-19 is not peculiar to Nigeria, but we are determined to contain it,” Ayuk said. “There is no cause for alarm; our containment protocols have already been activated.”

​The Commissioner noted that in a globalized world, the movement of carriers across borders remains an inherent risk, making constant vigilance a necessity rather than an option.

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​”Habitual” Vigilance Required

​Health experts are using this localized outbreak to remind the public that the virus has never been truly eradicated. Dr. Ekpenyong urged residents to return to the foundational hygiene habits that became second nature during the height of the pandemic.

• ​Sanitization: Habitual use of hand sanitizers.
• ​Protection: Utilization of nose masks in crowded or high-risk areas.
• ​Adherence: Following the prescriptions and guidelines issued by state health experts.

​As of Wednesday evening, the state has not announced any broader restrictions on movement or commerce, maintaining that the current cluster is “under control.” However, the isolation of 10 symptomatic contacts suggests that the next 48 to 72 hours will be critical in determining if the spread has been successfully truncated in the Akamkpa axis.