COVID 19

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Cross River State Government has identified and isolated 10 individuals who had contact with a foreign national linked to a fresh case of COVID-19 in the state.

The state epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, disclosed that the individuals were traced through contact tracing efforts carried out by health officials following the discovery of the case.

She explained that the team visited the workplace of the foreign national in Akamkpa Local Government Area as part of efforts to track possible exposure and prevent further spread.

Ekpenyong confirmed that the affected individuals have been placed under movement restrictions within their homes to curb transmission, while the index patient is receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding positively.

“We’ve restricted their movements to their homes so they do not spread the infection to others. The patient is also responding to treatment,” she said.

The epidemiologist cautioned residents not to become complacent, stressing that COVID-19, first detected years ago, has not been completely eradicated.

She urged the public to maintain preventive measures, including regular hand hygiene, use of face masks, and adherence to public health guidelines.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, had earlier confirmed the re-emergence of the virus, assuring residents that containment protocols had been activated.

He noted that the global nature of the virus makes it possible for cases to be reintroduced across borders but emphasised that authorities are taking proactive steps to prevent a wider outbreak.

“COVID-19 is not peculiar to Nigeria, but we are determined to contain it. There is no cause for alarm,” he said.