By NOELA EBOB BISONG
At press time on Sunday, March 29, 2020, The SUN had gathered that the number of Coronavirus infected cases in Cameroon stood at 113 with three deaths recorded in Cameroon.
The nation, through the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, has been on a steady mission daily to inform citizens on the constant state of affairs, with regards to the emergence of the virus in the country, a couple of weeks ago. On Sunday, March 29, 2020, the Minister announced 14 new cases (13 in Douala and one in Limbe), bringing the number to 113, from 99 on Saturday night. He emphasised “Vigilance! Vigilance!”
From a single case, to two, three, four, five, 10 and now 100 and above, the COVID-19 is surely making progress in Cameroon.
Prime Minister Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute in his last public outing was vehement that those who fail to respect measures put in place by the state to curb the spread of the disease shall certainly face the heavy arms of the law!
against COVID-19 in Cameroon
The message to an extent has gone through, as campaigns against the spread of the virus multiplied within the week just ending, including those engaged by health officials, local authorities, civil society organisations, transporters’ unions etc.
Individuals also have begun observing some level of personal hygiene with the regular washing of hands, avoidance of handshakes and embraces etc. Some Churches which continue to open their doors for services (as only prayers can wipe out the plague, they believe), are observing social distancing with some separating their faithful in zones and others re-organising their sitting order to accommodate but a few, not above 50.
The change in behaviour and attitude observed to an extent shows that many are not taking the COVID-19 pandemic to be such fun, as was the case in its earliest days in Cameroon, although some will need a whip to understand the present situation.
However, what is worrisome at the moment, many hold, is the steady rate of increasing cases. To this, they believe it only means the virus is already spreading underground. Many continue to worry over the fact that the worse might just be happening in the days ahead, such as in the case of Italy, Spain, the US etc.
With Cameroon naturally unable to counter the virus should it fall heavily upon the country, many continue to pray God the daily cases start changing into weakly and bi-monthly and then no new cases in the nearest future.
Following a statement released on Social Media, Minister Manaouda wrote that “I would like to point out that the majority of positive cases are people from countries at risk who hide in families. It is irresponsible. This is why, systematically denounce these travelers so that they come to be tested. Protect our life.”
While Minister Manaouda continues to appeal to all passengers of inbound flights into the country within the month to come-up for screening, public opinion within some quarters hold that all must be done to get such persons and “forcefully” confine them if need be, for it is difficult to imagine the havoc they may just be causing in the nation, in case they are infected with COVID-19.