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Cameroon’s public health minister, Dr Manaouda Malachie took to twitter today announcing that the total number of coronavirus cases in the country has reached 56.
At about the same time, MRC party leader, Maurice Kamto addressed the nation, assessing ongoing measures in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, proposing that more action be done.
Talking on hotels used for quarantining, the politician noted that they had not been prepared in advance “whereas in principle such an operation requires both psychological and practical preparation of hotel staff.”
Other shortcomings he adds are the non-preparation of treatment centres for people infected and non-compliance with containment measures “by certain people including public officials.”
“The seriousness of the situation requires everyone to contribute to the successful management of the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. This threat will be stemmed out only through collective public action” Kamto said.
With this in mind, the politician went on to list a series of measures that comprise a system, noting that it be implemented without delay. Among them is the creation of quarantine camps dedicated to monitoring suspected or confirmed cases of the virus, free and systematic testing for all suspected cases, free medical and psychological care for confirmed cases, the relief of crowding prisons to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, increasing awareness and hygiene as a means to limiting the possibility of spread in markets, the creation of a national commission for the management of the epidemic and the protection of Cameroonians.
“This commission must be chaired by the acting president of the Republic and not by the third party. Given the gravity of the situation, everyone must take responsibility and no longer delegate it as usual” he opined.
Kamto in his video made further proposals regarding the said commission, asking that it be further divided into the health, para health and safety sub-commissions.
The MRC leader also demanded that “the actual figures for those already infected be published,” citing that “reliable reports point to a much larger number of Cameroonians already infected”
“I also suggest that measures be taken to support economic operators as well as households whose activities will be affected by the measures taken by the government. The protection of people and property is a sovereign task of the state” he added.
He also encouraged the public to be respectful of all hygiene measures by the World Health Organization, WHO. “To those already infected with COVID-19, I wish a good and speedy recovery while I extend my sincere encouragement and gratitude to the health personnel for their current and future efforts,” said Kamto.
Football legend, Patrick Mboma announced the passing away of his uncle in Cameroon as a result of the virus, making the first death by COVID-19 in the country.
MMI
