By Onwa Ekor
Cross River government through its Health Ministry, has described as misleading a publication by Daily Trust and other online reports, titled “Cross River identifies 10 more persons with COVID symptoms.”
A statement by the Commissioner for health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, and made available to newsmen, Thursday, in Calabar, maintained that the report, does not accurately reflect the current public health situation in the state.
According to Ayuk, “Cross River currently has only one confirmed case of COVID-19 as clearly communicated during the press briefing held in Calabar on April 21, 2026,” adding that, “there are no additional confirmed cases in the state as of today.”
He explained that the ten individuals referenced in the report are contacts of the confirmed case, identified through routine and proactive contact tracing, not confirmed cases, nor are they classified as suspected cases, as none of them is currently exhibiting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
The Commissioner noted that for clarity, “the said contacts are individuals who have had close interaction with a confirmed case.”
He explained that suspected cases are individuals showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, even as confirmed cases are individuals who have tested positive through laboratory diagnosis.
Ayuk further disclosed that In line with established public health protocols, these contacts have been placed under home (house) isolation and are being monitored daily by health officials for any development of symptoms.
His words: “This is a preventive measure and does not in any way indicate the presence of new infections.
“It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to suggest that Cross River has identified 10 more persons with COVID symptoms, as reported.
“No such development has been recorded,” the Commissioner said.
He added that, the Cross River government remains transparent and committed to promptly informing the public of any changes in the COVID-19 status, hence citizens should disregard misleading reports and rely only on verified updates from the Ministry of Health.
“While we continue to urge residents to maintain basic preventive measures, there is no cause for panic,” Ayuk assured.
