COVID-19 Epidemiological situation : Health Minister reveals key figures
The Public Health Minister, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, has said about 1000 new COVID-19 cases are recorded every week. The country currently counts over 33,000 confirmed cases.
He was guest of the 8:30 PM TV Newscast on the Cameroon Radio Television.
The called comes at a time when most Cameroonians no longer respect the preventive measures that were once regarded as life-saving.
Few people still wear masks, respect social distancing or wash hands regularly.
The minister attributes this laxity to the recent surge in new cases.
According to the Minister, 800 to 1000 new cases are recorded each week.
Hospitalization has also gone up with the bed occupancy rate moving from 0.5% to 5%.
The death rate has scaled from 1 to 35 deaths per week, bringing the total number of deaths to over 523.
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In the heart of this resurgence, a network of health personnel has been delivering negative tests to persons traveling out of the country.
The Minister says the group of 3 dubious persons has been uncovered and sanctioned.
In order to render screening more effective and credible, Dr. Manaouda Malachie says “bar codes will be assigned to samples from testing to results through analysis. This will allow transparency and more rigorous monitoring.”
With regards to the COVID-19 vaccine, the Public Health boss says vaccines will be administered to people on a voluntary basis.
He dispelled fake information about the vaccine, which has caused panic on people in some parts of the country.
Some students from an institution in Kumba, South West Region are currently receiving treating in hospital after they attempted to jump over their school fence, fleeing from a purported vaccination on campus.
Dispelling fears regarding the vaccine, the Minister said the President of the Republic has clearly says that vaccination will only be an option if it becomes necessary. “The President of the Republic asked us to prepare for the eventuality of the vaccine, but we must not run for the vaccine”
Cameroon is however not yet close to considering administering the vaccine to fight the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 epidemiological situation is worrying but not alarming, and therefore does not require an urgent vaccination campaign.” Dr. Manaouda Malachie notes.
Kathy Neba Sina