The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) has confirmed five positive cases of COVID-19 in the state.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, made this known in an internal memo obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Calabar.

NAN reports the memo was pasted on all the notice boards in the hospital.

“The management of UCTH wishes to inform her staff and patients that COVID-19 tests performed on five samples from our hospital returned positive.

“Two of these samples came from our medical staff.

“This staff members have since made tremendous progress along the path of recovery and are doing well.

“The tests were performed using the PCR technique at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control accredited laboratory located at Alex Ekweme University Teaching Hospital, Abakiliki.

“Management has duly informed the Cross River Government and other agencies of government.

“We wish to reassure our staff and patients that a positive COVID-19 test is neither a death sentence nor a reason for any fear or stigmatisation,” Ikpeme said in the memo.

The chief medical director, also in the memo, urged all staff of the hospital to abide by all guidelines on handwashing and respiratory hygiene as advised by the State and Federal Governments.

“As an institution of government, UCTH will continue to provide information and guidance, and take steps to protect our staff, patients and the community we serve.

“We, therefore, urge everyone to take personal responsibility and cooperate with the government and institutions in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, especially with the relaxation of the lockdown which can potentially translate into an increase in the number of cases.

“Management thanks the Federal Ministry of Health, the Cross River Government and Ministry of Health, her staff and patients for demonstrating commitment and leadership during a difficult time,” the memo added. (NAN)

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