Cameroon: Authorities to ease COVID-19 lockdown measures from June 1 /update 8

Event

Cameroonian authorities announced that some measures in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic would be eased from Monday, June 1. Schools, universities, and training centers, which have been closed since March 17, will be permitted to reopen nationwide provided they adhere to the strict health measures in place. Nursery schools and intermediate classes in primary and secondary schools will not reopen.

Cameroon previously eased measures on May 1, with public transportation running as normal, and bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities permitted to open past 18:00 (local time), as long as they adhere to social distancing measures. Gatherings of more than 50 people remain prohibited, and the wearing of face masks is compulsory in public places. Access to public institutions, including government buildings, has been limited.

As of Sunday, May 31, authorities have confirmed 5904 cases of COVID-19 in the country and 191 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.