The Cameroon government reminds the population of the already existing preventive measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cameroon’s prime minister, Chief, Dr. Joseph Diong Ngute, on 5 March 2021 reminded the Cameroon population of the measures which were put in place on 17 March 2020 by the Head of State, Paul Biya. This is because the country has recently witnessed a rise in the cases of COVID-19.  

He reminded those planning events that the maximum number of persons allowed for any gathering is 50 persons and that the wearing of Facemasks is compulsory in all public places. The prime minister in his communique maintained the suspension of diplomatic missions abroad unless in exceptional cases. 

It is worthy to note that, the Cameroon government is taking steps to acquire the COVID-19 vaccines to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect the population. He also said that people will be vaccinated voluntarily but advised the population to take it when the vaccines arrived in the country. 

 The Ministry of Public Health, through its repetitive, Manouada Malachie earlier updated the public on the statistics for February 2021 which are alarming. Confirmed cases: 35,714. Recoveries: 32,594. Deaths: 551. Active cases: 2,672. Hospitalized: 228 of which 53 under oxygen. Healing: 92%. Death rate: 1.54%. Severity: 2.2% of active cases. Bed occupancy: 7.23%.

The preventive measures which were put in place on the instructions of the Head of State, His Excellency Paul BIYA, an inter-ministerial consultation which was held on Tuesday, 17 March 2020, are as follows. it is worthy to note that, the preventive measures below have never been expressly off lifted by the government since 2020. 

As of Wednesday 18 March 2020, till further notice:

1. Cameroon’s land, air and sea borders will be closed: consequently, all passenger flights from abroad will be suspended, with the exception of cargo flights and vessels transporting consumer products and essential goods and materials, whose stopover times will be limited and supervised: Cameroonians who wish to come back home should contact our diplomatic representations.

1. The issuance of entry visas to Cameroon at the various airports shall be suspended

1. All public and private training establishments of the various levels of education, from nursery school to higher education, including vocational training centres and professional schools, will be closed;
2. Gatherings of more than fifty (50) persons are prohibited throughout the national territory;

1. School and university competitions, like the FENASSCO and University games are postponed;

1. Under the supervision of administrative authorities, bars, restaurants and entertainment spots will be systematically closed from 6 p.m.;

1. A system for regulating consumer flows will be set up in markets and shopping centres;

1. Urban and inter-urban travel should only be undertaken in cases of extreme necessity;

1. Drivers of buses, taxis and motorbikes are urged to avoid overloading: law enforcement officers will ensure they comply;

1. Private health facilities, hotels and other lodging facilities, vehicles and specific equipment necessary for the implementation of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan in Cameroon may be requisitioned as required, by competent authorities;

1. Public administrations shall give preference to electronic communications and digital tools for meetings likely to bring together more than ten (10) people;

1. Missions abroad of members of Government and public and para-public sector employees are hereby suspended;
2. The public is urged to strictly observe the hygiene measures recommended by the World Health Organization, including regular hand washing with soap, avoiding close contact such as shaking hands or hugging, and covering the mouth when sneezing.

These are difficult but necessary measures to ensure the protection of each and every one and to limit the spread of this pandemic.

In case of need, the public is invited to call the toll-free number 1510 set up for the mobilization of rescue teams.

The Government calls on the public not to panic, but to show discipline, solidarity and a sense of responsibility at a time when the whole world is going through difficult times.

Berinyuy Cajetan, Publisher

Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.