Health passes will be mandatory to access stadiums during the coming African Cup of Nations (AFCON). In a letter Minister of Sports and Physical Education (Minsep), Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, sent lats November 23 to CAF officials, it is revealed that the government aims to allow full capacity stadiums with health pass requirements for access to those stadiums.

In the letter, the Minsep details the safety and health measures elaborated by the Cameroonian government for AFCON2021 matches.

According to the letter, the pass would be a COVID-19 test valid for 48 hours for the unvaccinated public and even days for fully vaccinated ones.

“The health pass will be checked, either through smartphones or secured papers before allowing the public into stadiums.” As for participants (players, referees, and officials, etc.) who have to access zones 1 and 2, they will be tested using PCR kits and the results available within 24 hours, explains the Minsep who is also the chairman of the local AFCON2021 organization committee.

The public will have to register in advance on the dedicated online platform before visiting the testing sites installed early everywhere for the competition. At those sites, the public can also get vaccinated or buy tickets, the official adds.

"All these health protocols are intended to make the AFCON a popular and fun event, in strict compliance with Covid-19 combating protocols," explains Narcisse Mouelle Kombi.

The CAF, which will have its health arrangements validated by its health staff, will have to approve the plan elaborated by Cameroon.

Cameroon’s health protocol comes amid a health crisis fueled by the latest coronavirus variant, the omicron. Three countries (Comoros, Malawi, and Zimbabwe) out of the 24 qualified for the AFCON2021 are from southern Africa, where this new variant emerged.

Despite the health crisis, CAF President Patrice Motsepe is confident that the African football event will be effectively organized. The president stated his view during a special CAF general assembly last November 26.

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