A new case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Cross River State, prompting health authorities to activate emergency response measures and begin contact tracing.

The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed this on Tuesday in Calabar, stating that the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge.

According to him, the individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms, which worsened while receiving care at a medical facility before he was transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further evaluation.

Ayuk said tests conducted at the facility confirmed the infection after all required protocols were followed, adding that the patient is currently stable.

He assured residents that the state has strengthened its health systems to manage potential outbreaks, noting that surveillance and containment mechanisms are in place.

State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said the emergency response unit had been activated, with ongoing contact tracing and monitoring of individuals who may have been exposed.

She explained that the timeline of symptom onset suggests the infection may have been contracted within Nigeria, given that it occurred beyond the typical incubation period.

Rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, where the patient works, as part of efforts to contain any potential spread.

Also speaking, Yewande Olatunde of the World Health Organization emphasised that the virus remains in circulation and urged continued adherence to preventive measures.

Health officials maintained that while infections may still occur, early detection and response are critical to preventing wider outbreaks and reducing fatalities.