The Far North region has just reported its first case of coronavirus, meaning all Cameroon’s 10 regions are now affected by the pandemic. The bad news was reported yesterday evening by the Minister of Public health, Manaouda Malachie (photo) on twitter.

“Now more than ever is the time to strictly follow the prevention measures and the mandatory wearing of masks,” he said. Twenty-six new cases were detected on Wednesday, bringing the total number in the country to 1,832. The latest data showed that 934 people have recovered but 61 died. The number of active cases is 837 people.

The minister said parents should make sure that their children are safe and that they respect the measures as well. “Although current data show that children are less affected by the virus, we should make sure that they adopt good practices to prevent the propagation of the covid-19,” he said.

To increase its reception capacity and optimize the care of patients, the government has set up special centers for Covid-19 patients in Yaoundé (Center), Douala (Littoral), Garoua (North), Limbe (South-West) and Bafoussam (West).

In the capital Yaoundé, the epicenter of the epidemic, the military stadium and the former Orca building are the two places chosen for the administration of hospital care and medical monitoring of Covid-19 patients. Some 150 beds have been installed on the first site, out of the 194 initially planned. “Because of its modular nature, up to 400 beds could be deployed there,” sources at the ministry said. The second site will be able to accommodate up to 320 patients once the work is completed.

P.N.N