Cross River Ends COVID-19 Scare
By Ebi COLLINS
Cross River State has recorded a significant public health milestone following the successful containment, treatment, and discharge of its only confirmed case of COVID-19, effectively restoring the state’s disease-free status.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed that the lone case was confirmed on April 16, 2026, by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control at the isolation centre of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
He explained that the State Government immediately activated its emergency public health response architecture, including the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), to contain the case and prevent any possible spread.
According to the Commissioner, the response was carried out in close collaboration with key partners such as the World Health Organization and the NCDC, involving intensive contact tracing, line-listing of exposed individuals, clinical monitoring, as well as sample collection and testing.
Dr. Ayuk noted that all identified contacts were closely monitored, with none developing symptoms or testing positive, a development he described as evidence of the effectiveness of the state’s rapid response strategy.
“I am pleased to report that Cross River State is COVID-19 free. On May 1, 2026, the index and only patient was discharged in excellent health, with a negative COVID-19 test result,” he said.
He assured residents that the State Public Health Department and the Emergency Operations Centre remain fully alert to detect and respond promptly to any public health threat.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to development partners and institutions that supported the response, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, and UCTH.
Dr. Ayuk also commended Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu for providing the political will and resources that ensured the effective management and containment of the case, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to safeguarding public health in the state.
