Public Health: NCDC announces no widespread transmission of COVID-19 in Cross River

*Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, discloses that ‘all identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the recent reported outbreak of the disruptive Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the South-South state, and attendant anxiety among Nigerians, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that there are currently no signs of widespread transmission of the disease in Cross River State.

ConsumerConnect reports the Cross River State Government Tuesday, April 21, 2026, had said it confirmed a fresh COVID-19 case, a few years after the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared an end to the global emergency phase of the virus.

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Henry Ayuk, Cross River State Honourable Commissioner for Health, had noted that the index case, a Chinese national who works in Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) of the coastal state, had arrived in Nigeria March 17.

The foreigner later developed symptoms of the disease, according to the state government.

It is recalled that the deadly pandemic, at the height of the worldwide health crisis, shut down several economies, and killed millions of people around the world.

Nigeria equally recorded over 3,000 deaths and 266,000 confirmed cases, leading to unprecedented economic lockdowns at various times across the West African country.

In the wake of that global crisis also, authorities worldwide imposed stringent measures such as lockdowns to contain the spread.

Index case isolated and managed according to standard protocols: Idris

Speaking on the development in Cross River State, Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, however, stated: “All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission.”

The health sector regulatory agency also assured that the case has been isolated and managed according to standard protocols.

Idris stated: “The patient is in stable condition and responding to care.”

Following the confirmation of the case, the NCDC, support partners, and the Cross River State Ministry of Health have “activated response measures, including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention & control”.

“We continue to maintain routine surveillance for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections,” the public health institute said.

Basic personal hygiene recommendations, by NCDC

Again, in order to further curb any widespread transmission of the disease, Nigerians are urged to continue to maintain basic hygiene, including regular handwashing and respiratory etiquette, and to seek immediate medical attention if they are indisposed.

Meanwhile, Nigerian health officials are now urging calm, following the fresh case in the South-South state, report said.

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