COVID19, Cameroon Moves ON

Cameroon has re-opened its air borders, with the first commercial flights. While efforts are being made to reopen both land and maritime borders, the coronavirus infection rate in the country continues to plummet.

One could view this air-border opening as a denouement of the sad tale that started on March 6, 2020. Many panicked, requesting the government closes its borders and restrict the movement of persons to curtail the spread of the disease. On March 18, 2020, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also chose to postpone all football competitions. In response to all and sundry, the Cameroon government through its Prime Minister heeded the people’s request by closing the borders, drinking spots, isolating persons who entered the country, reducing passengers in public and private road transport and admitting back into the country some Cameroonians who had been trapped abroad.

After March came April and voices started grumbling: HOW DO WE SURVIVE WHEN WE CANNOT GO OUT AND FEND FOR OURSELVES? BUSINESSES ARE FALLING!!!

Once again, the government heeded the cries of its people and relaxed some of the restrictive measures. Bars, restaurants, and other recreational facilities could open beyond the 6 p.m. limit.  Everyone simply had to: wear a face mask, wash hands, and respect social distancing. Many jubilated and suddenly, face masks became chin masks, the tap heads at handwashing points dried off, our culture so abhorred the social distance….

HAS THE VIRUS BEEN CONQUERED?

Cameroon has been receiving health kits from foreign partners; hydroxychloroquine tablets which the minister of scientific research and innovation announced are still awaited; facemasks produced by CICAM ordered by the Minister of Mines are costlier than those sold in the streets; statistics on the evolution of the 3T (Track-Test-Treat) method are now given weekly, and the population barely washes its hands. Who can explain these ambiguities?

Maybe the respite is in traditional herbalists. They boast of having found a cure to the coronavirus in plants. Is anybody listening to them???

Veronica AJI