The Cross River State Government has raised fresh concern over a possible resurgence of COVID-19 after identifying and isolating 10 persons who reportedly had contact with a Chinese national recently linked to suspected infection in the state.
State epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, disclosed that the individuals were traced and placed under restriction following contact tracing efforts carried out by health officials in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
According to her, the surveillance team moved quickly to the workplace of the foreign national as part of measures to prevent possible spread of the virus within the community.
“We’ve restricted their movements to their homes, so that they do not spread the symptoms to other persons,” she said, adding that monitoring is ongoing.
Dr Ekpenyong also noted that the Chinese national involved in the case is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding positively.
She reminded residents that COVID-19 has not been completely eliminated globally, urging continued adherence to basic preventive measures such as hand hygiene, use of face masks when necessary, and observance of health advisories.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, had earlier confirmed the development, assuring residents that the government had already activated public health systems to contain any potential outbreak.
He, however, urged calm, stressing that there was no cause for alarm as containment efforts were in place.
