Coronavirus Pandemic : Cameroon’s Response Strategy

Beginning this Wednesday, March 18, 2020 the combat strategy against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic instructed by President Paul Biya will go into effect. The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute announced Cameroon’s government response strategy during a special statement he made at the Star Building in Yaounde on March 17, 2020 evening.

 -Situation :The World Health Organisation (WHO) a few days ago announced that coronavirus has gone from an epidemic to a pandemic. There are over 170,000 cases in 146 countries and about 6,500 deaths. As for Cameroon, 10 people have been diagnosed with the virus and are being treated by specialised services. No local outbreaks of the epidemic has so far been recorded in Cameroon.

-Travels :-Cameroon’s land, air and sea border will be closed beginning today. Only cargo flights and vessels transporting consumer products and essential goods and materials will be allowed but their stopover times will be limited and supervised. Urban and inter-urban travel will be undertaken in extreme cases of necessity.

The Prime Minister also announced that missions abroad of members of government and public and para-public sector employees are also suspended.

-Entry visas : Issuance of entry visas are equally suspended and Cameroonians wishing to come back home have to contact  the country’s diplomatic representations.

-Schools : Public and private training establishments of the various levels of education, vocational training centres and professional schools will be closed.

-Gatherings and Competitions : Gatherings of more than 50 persons prohibited throughout the national territory. Schools and university competitions postponed.