Akwa Ibom Raises COVID-19 Alert, Tightens Surveillance After Neighbouring Outbreak
Koko Maxwella 
Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno
UYO, Nigeria – The Akwa Ibom State Government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance measures following confirmation of a new outbreak in a neighbouring state, placing health systems on alert to prevent possible spread.
Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel, said Governor Umo Eno directed immediate reinforcement of monitoring at entry points, health facilities, and communities.
“Disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams have been placed on red alert to promptly detect and manage any suspected cases,” Emmanuel said in a statement issued Monday.
The state has intensified screening protocols and activates emergency response mechanisms in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other partners.
Residents have been urged to maintain preventive measures, including hand hygiene, use of sanitisers, and wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed spaces.
Health authorities also advised avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms such as fever, cough, or breathing difficulties.
Healthcare workers have been directed to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols, while the government has established enquiry desks and helplines to provide verified information.
Officials warned against the spread of misinformation, stressing that panic could undermine response efforts.
The renewed alert underscores ongoing concerns about COVID-19 resurgence risks and the need for sustained vigilance across states.
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