The idea of a general lockdown in the various affected regions of the country is on every lip with some people for, and others against.
A decision from the government is expected to put an end to the expectations.
It is true that government has taken 13 points measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but three weeks after the measures went operational, the spread of the infection keeps increasing.
As at Monday, April 6, 2020, statistics showed that 658 Covid-19 cases were registered in the country.
Critics have questioned the capacity of the 13 points measures to contain the virus demanding that more stringent measures be taken to prevent the spread on one hand, and to compensate Cameroonians who are inevitably suffering in one way or the other, on the other hand.
Among the new upfront measures put forth by public opinion is a total lockdown in the already affected regions of the country, where even transport, markets and other public areas would stop operating for a period.
Fighting Corona Virus definitely raises another problem, that of economic challenges which almost pushed road transport trade unions to stage a strike action Monday, April 6, 2020 if not for the timely intervention of the government.
The main worry of the drivers and riders was a reduction of the price of petroleum products by at least 200 FCFA, given that the number of passengers they used to carry have been reduced by the government in the Corona Response Plan.
Besides actors in the road transport sector, Cameroonians in their majority expect the government to provide certain service free of charge, such as Water and Electricity during such trying periods.
The government of Cameroon is aware of the health and economic challenges caused by Covid-19 and is working towards relieving the burden on citizens.
According to the Secretary General at the Prime Minister’s office, the government is still expecting a report from the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Alamine Ousemane Mey, on the economic consequences of the virus in Cameroon.
Responding recently to worries from road transport trade unions on the reduction of prices of petroleum products, the SG says it shall depend on the report from MINEPAT.
From all indications, the report on economic consequences in Cameroon is vital and would definitely change governments position in the fight against the virus.
To and extent, it may be the determining factor for a possible general lockdown in the country and other stringent measures.
The present 13 points measures taken by the government are not respected to the fullest by Cameroonians, and if tougher measures are implemented, would they be respected? A denizen asked this reporter indicating that it may as well be an obstacle to tougher measures from the government.
Worth noting is the fact that neighboring Gabon at the weekend announced free transportation, water and electricity in the country as Compensatory measures against COVID-19.
Other African nations have decreed general containment in some heavily affected cities.
Related Story: https://newsupfront.com/covid-19-why-govt-is-yet-to-take-certain-stringent-measures-expected-by-cameroonians/
