Cross River Confirms New COVID-19 Case Involving Chinese Lafarge Worker, Triggers Emergency Response In Calabar
Cross River confirms new COVID-19 case involving Chinese Lafarge worker, triggers emergency response in Calabar Cross River State has confirmed a fresh COVID-19 infection involving a Chinese national working with Lafarge, who was hospitalised in Calabar after arriving in Nigeria, marking the state’s first recent recorded case of the virus since its last known infection years ago.
Cross River State authorities have confirmed a new COVID-19 case involving a Chinese expatriate working with Lafarge, sparking renewed public health monitoring and emergency response activation in the state. The patient, who reportedly arrived in Nigeria before falling ill, was first admitted to a state medical facility and later transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where further tests confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Health officials say the patient is currently receiving treatment and responding to care, while contact tracing has begun to identify individuals who may have been exposed. The state government has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and deployed rapid response teams to manage the situation and prevent further spread.
- Patient: Chinese national working with Lafarge
- Arrival: Entered Nigeria before onset of symptoms
- Condition: Hospitalised and transferred to UCTH in Calabar
- Status: Receiving treatment and reported to be stable
- Action: Contact tracing and surveillance initiated
- Activation of Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
- Deployment of rapid response teams
- Strengthened disease surveillance across the state
- Public reassurance that situation is under control
Health authorities noted that COVID-19 has not been fully eradicated globally, warning that sporadic cases may still occur due to international travel and exposure risks.
Officials urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, while continuing to observe basic hygiene and preventive health measures.
Authorities say the case is being closely monitored to prevent community transmission, stressing that early detection and containment measures remain key to avoiding a wider outbreak.
