CI-NEWS

No hiding place from COVID-19.

2020-04-07

No: 480

No hiding place from COVID-19.

Commonwealth Journalists Association Press Release.

Cameroon/Africa Bureau.

email: cja.cameroon@yahoo.com

Tel: (237) 677 673 927/697 959 552

Those who thought they were movers and shakers of the society, the untouchables and men and women of iron and steel should think twice. COVID-19 has humbled all of us as no amount of political power or riches can subdue the debilitating pandemic that has taken the world hostage. COVID-19 reminds us of the judgment day where all will be equal before God. There will be no head of state, no servant, no rich man, no poor man, but all of us will face trial in the Lord's highest court as equals.

It has been agonizing and inconsolable since the dreadful Coronavirus (COVID-19) reared its nauseating cranium in the world by surprise, given its ravaging effects on the hapless populace.

The COVID-19 that first vomited its toxin on the vulnerable people of China on December 2019 is now the battle cry of the globe. Many who thought the strange disease was a Chinese affair soon discovered it is a global phenomenon that has not only come to devastate the world but claiming innocent lives daily with numbers likely to surpass those of a world war if quick cure is not discovered anytime soon. Before China could have time to grapple with the endemic pestilence, other nations had started reporting cases in their territories and at once strategizing on how to contain the disease.

Many who thought it was a disease meant only for the whites or for the old have been proven wrong as baobabs of the black race and kids started dying in what the World Health Organisation (WHO) concluded is a pandemic and not a mere disease per se. Most nations have taken drastic measures to forestall the COVID-19 disease as the numbers of unexplained deaths and patients soar. According to latest statistics released by CNN on April 2, 2020, the world has recorded 952.100 cases, with 48.300 deaths.

Of these disturbing numbers, the United States of America is topping the chart with confirmed cases of 216.700 and 5.100 deaths, followed by Italy with 101.739 cases and 11.591 deaths, China 82.545 cases with 3.314 deaths, et al.

Africa's debilitating pandemic statistics.

In Africa, South Africa leads with 1.326 cases with 50 deaths, followed by Egypt 697 cases with 48 deaths, Algeria 584 cases and 35 deaths recorded, Cameroon 284 cases 7 deaths and 10 recoveries as at April 2, Nigeria 135 cases 2 deaths and 10 recoveries. Reports show several countries have put in place stringent measures to nib the COVID-19 in the bud either by locking down nations or devising other ways of tackling the pandemic.

Financial commitment to tackle Covid-19.

The United States has coughed out 2.2 Trillion Dollars apart from States contributions and still looking forward to voting more in Congress after government took a decision to lockdown some States. The money is meant to subsidize workers who have been sent home including the provision of essential medical equipment in an unflagging effort to save lives.

Spain has voted 220 Billion Dollars to provide medical assistance and pay workers sent home as the pandemic demolishes its nation.

In Senegal, government is providing FCFA 184.000 each to workers sent home till further notice and the Nigerian government and the business class have contributed some 26 Billion Naira to assist victims of COVID-19 amongst others.

With 284 cases registered in Cameroon as at April 2, government has offered FCFA One Billion, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) donated FCFA 150 million and businessman, Baba Danpullo made a donation of FCFA 100 million. The Cameroon government has created a National Solidarity Fund to help battle COVID-19.

The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President have offered three months of their salaries to combat the pandemic, et al

The plight of Cameroonians.

Apart from the 13-point measures which Cameroon's Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Dion Ngute announced on Tuesday March 17, 2020, some teething problems are stalling its implementation.

Though schools have been effectively shut down, borders partially closed, other measures are still to be fully implemented for several reasons.

The washing of hands in many towns is not very effective because of the lack of the precious liquid (water). In other places, it is neglect or lackluster attitude.

Many Drivers and Motorbike riders have made it abundantly clear that unless Police and Gendarmes stop harassing them and collecting money at checkpoints, they will continue to carry their passengers without respecting the social distancing. Market places, transport agencies and banks too are saturated.

The worst scenario is the fact that while Cameroonians have been advised to stay home, the business class cannot because they need to cater for needs of their families, workforce and meet up with other commitments.

Uncalled for imposition of penalties in times like this.

Even when the people struggle to pay Taxes, CNPS, Electricity bills, they are still slammed with penalties without considering their present pathetic dilemma. Shouldn't government suspend taxes since they are telling people to stay home?

A few years ago, the National Assembly passed a pejorative and disturbing legislation asking Landlords to take Tenants who owe Two (2) months rents to court but did not give any time frame of when bills owed business people must also be paid. There is no gainsaying the fact that the legislation sailed through smoothly because most of the parliamentarians are Landlords.

This brings to mind the question of who the lawmakers are actually working for. Serving themselves or the people?

All hands must be on deck to fight COVID-19 by scrupulously respecting the law, while we keep ego aside.

Issued by the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA)-Cameroon and African Bureau.

Chief Foanyi Nkemayang Paul

President CJA-Cameroon, Vice President for Africa

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No hiding place from COVID-19.