Coronavirus: Government Close Down Schools, Borders Amongst Measures To Check Spread
The response strategy of the government of Cameroon to the COVID-19 pandemic has been made public by the Prime Minister – Head of Government chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute.
He made a declaration to the press this Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
The 13 measure taken by the Government on the instructions of the President of the Republic Paul Biya, takes effect as from Wednesday March 18, 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.
2. The issuance of entry visas to Cameroon at the various airports shall be suspended
3. 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;
4. Gatherings of more than fifty (50) persons are prohibited throughout the national territory;
5. School and university competitions, like the FENASSCO and University games are postponed;
6. Under the supervision of administrative authorities, bars, restaurants and entertainment spots will be systematically closed from 6 p.m.
7. A system for regulating consumer flows will be set up in markets and shopping centres;
8. Urban and inter-urban travel should only be undertaken in cases of extreme necessity;
9. Drivers of buses, taxis and motorbikes are urged to avoid overloading: law enforcement officers will ensure they comply;
10. 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;
11. Public administrations shall give preference to electronic communications and digital tools for meetings likely to bring together more than ten (10) people;
12. Missions abroad of members of Government and public and para-public sector employees are hereby suspended
13. 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.
The Prime Minister also invited to call the toll-free number 1510 set up for the mobilization of rescue teams. He said the measures are difficult but necessary to ensure the protection of population and to limit the spread of this pandemic.
