Cross River State Records First Confirm Coronavirus Case

By Eyo Nse,

Cross River State has recorded its first ever confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) case in the country, Brainnews report.

Previously, Cross River happened to be the only state in Nigeria without coronavirus.

Cross River State Records First Confirm Coronavirus Case — File Photo

According to information from the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, on Thursday, June 25, 2020 in a circular with the title: “UCTH STAFF HEALTH ADVISORY: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC”.

Prof. Ikpeme said: “A recent rapid test carried out on a patient came out positive. However, the patient had recovered and was discharged from our Isolation Centre last week.”

The CMD statement read in parts below:

“Management therefore urges staff and patients to protect themselves as maximally as possible. This is however without prejudice to the fact that health care givers must make themselves available at all times to provide adequate treatment to patients without fear.

“Management on the other hand will do everything possible to ensure that staff and patients are adequately protected in line with National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines.”

On the issue of relationship of NCDC and UCTH Management, also the role of which UCTH plays during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Ikpeme said:

“The implication of this is that, henceforth, we do not need to pass samples through the Epidemiology Unit of the State as was the case before.

“The Hospital can now send samples directly to NCDC accredited Laboratories while the NCDC works to help set up and accredit our Laboratory.

“We therefore urge everybody to honestly do the needful to ensure that our community is protected from the Coronavirus pandemic.”

“In furtherance of steps earlier taken to protect our staff, patients and facilities, Management will ensure strict compliance with measures geared towards protecting our population. This will involve strict entry and exit protocols into our facilities. We urge for understanding, patience and cooperation.”