The Cross River State Government has confirmed the isolation of a Chinese national at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital following suspected COVID-19 infection.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, stating that the patient is currently receiving treatment and under close medical observation.
COVID-19 first broke out in Nigeria in February 2020, compelling the Federal Government to order a lockdown in the country as did other countries in order to prevent movements, close contacts and escalation of the spread.
Ayuk said the Chinese arrived Nigeria via Lagos on March 17, 2026, before proceeding to Calabar en route to a factory located in Akamkpa Local Government Area, where symptoms were first detected at a clinic.
He noted that the case was promptly referred to UCTH, where isolation protocols were activated, while the state immediately triggered its public health response mechanisms.
“We have activated all necessary procedures, including contact tracing and isolation, to prevent further spread,” Ayuk said, adding that officials are working in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
The commissioner assured residents that the situation is under control, urging calm while reiterating government’s commitment to containing any potential outbreak.
Also confirming the development, the World Health Organization coordinator in the state, Dr. Olatunde Yewande, alongside the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, said surveillance and response systems have been strengthened.
They explained that COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, presents with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, cough, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.
Health authorities advised residents to adhere strictly to preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene, vaccination, use of face masks where necessary, and avoiding close contact with suspected cases.
They emphasised that early detection and prompt isolation remain critical in limiting transmission.
Daily Post.
