"In the application of the measures prescribed by the government of Cameroon and the recommendations of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon to fight the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic (...), the parish church can no longer host gatherings of more than 50 people," announced Jean Mbarga, Archbishop of Yaoundé, in a pastoral note published on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The day before, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute had announced measures to boost the fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19). One of those measures was the prohibition of gatherings of more than 50 people.

 "The number of attendees at Sunday Masses and other liturgical celebrations will, therefore, be limited to 50 people," he said. Bishop Mbarga recommends, however, that these celebrations be broadcast live by the media "to support the prayers of a greater number of the faithful in their homes.” He also invites the devotees to continue their vocation and domestic church missions, especially during this Lenten season.

Though the number of attendees to religious celebrations is limited because of the current health context, the church remains available "for individual spiritual devotions during the day under the supervision of the parish priest," says the Archbishop of Yaoundé.

 "The seriousness of the situation requires drastic choices that we must welcome in our faith. In these moments of great anxiety, be serene, remain attentive to the recommendations of the bishop of the diocese and double your ardour in prayer and fraternal charity," the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (CENC) advises.

Let’s note that Cameroon has already confirmed 14 cases of Covid-19 infection, including two cases detected in Bafoussam, the regional capital of the West.  

Patricia Ngo Ngouem