COVID-19 : “ I respect Preventive measures every time”
“I respect preventive measures against COVID-19 every time” is a classical response from many a Cameroonian when asked how and when they stick to the rules .
But this phrase does not really paint a true picture of people’s commitment to respecting preventive measures. Many Cameroonians do not necessarily respect the preventive measures to the letter. Upholding preventive measures is largely dependent on other factors.
Having a mask on during a meal or at home is not easy to come by, likewise in markets and other business areas.
Armstrong Shu, a teacher in Government High School Kumbo is an example of a person who would not just wear a mask or wash hands.He needs a tangible reason to tow the line .
“The sensitisation about #Covid-19 serves as an alarm of how serious and dangerous the virus is. Given that some of the preventive measures are not human friendly e.g wearing a face mask, I’m only forced to put it on when I think I’m exposed to many people. That is a primary source of the virus. Washing hands can also be very frequent when the virus is spreading, otherwise I don’t really pay attention to this COVID-19 preventive measures”.
The teacher’s stand is clear; if COVID is still present in Cameroon and the infections are not high, he will not respect the preventive measures.
“Because the President said so”
Unlike Armstrong Shu, Mama Alice, a housewife , religiously respects
preventive measures against COVID because President Paul Biya instructed everyone to do so in order not to catch the virus.
“I respect the measures every time because President Biya asked us to wash hands regularly and wear ours nose masks. I keep a meter distance between myself and anyone around me. If you have to cough, use a handkerchief or cough in flexed elbow. All the measures will help us avoid COVID-19”.
“Every time and everywhere”
Respecting preventive measures concerns everyone. The message has gone through, even to students. Ebamou Adang Ivan , a student of Government Bilingual High School Mimboman says “ I respect preventive measures to avoid more Coronavirus cases and protect myself and the others from catching the virus. I do that when I’m in public places and even at home. I respect preventive measures every time and everywhere it is required”
Some people are forced to wear masks by police officers, others wash their hands if only it is a requirement to obtain a service in public spaces or to access hospitals and other essential services. But respecting preventive measures willfully remains a life saving practice. The rules have not changed.
Kathy Neba Sina