Akwa Ibom Heightens Surveillance as COVID-19 Resurfaces in Neighbouring State
The Akwa Ibom State Government has called for renewed vigilance among residents following confirmed reports of a COVID-19 outbreak in a neighbouring state.
In a press release issued on April 26, 2026, the government, through the Ministry of Health, urged citizens to strictly adhere to public health guidelines, citing the strong geographic, social, and economic ties between Akwa Ibom and surrounding states.
Governor Pastor Umo Eno, after receiving a briefing from the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, directed the immediate activation of heightened surveillance measures across all entry points, healthcare facilities, and communities in the state.
As part of the response, disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams have been placed on alert to ensure the prompt detection and management of any suspected cases. The government confirmed that these measures have already been implemented.
Residents have been advised to maintain preventive practices such as regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based sanitizers, wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms, and refraining from handshakes and other physical greetings. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention.
Healthcare workers across the state have also been reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols.
Governor Eno further directed the Ministry of Health to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other relevant partners to ensure effective monitoring and a coordinated response to any potential outbreak.
Reassuring residents of the government’s commitment to protecting public health, the administration also cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could incite unnecessary panic. Citizens were advised to rely only on official updates from the Ministry of Health.
To facilitate public inquiries, the Ministry has established a dedicated help desk. Members of the public can contact the Director of Public Health, Dr. Bassey Akpan, on 08035321513, or the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, on 08038722244, for assistance.
The statement was jointly signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, and the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah.
