COVID-19; WHO DID PAUL BIYA ADDRESSED ON DECEMBER 31,2020?

H.E Paul BIYA 

The President of the Republic of Cameroon H. E Paul Biya since his asession into power on November 6, 1982 has it as tradition to address the nation every December 31st,  during which he is expected to give a balance sheet  on what happened in the course of the year.

The President while addressing the Nation on December 31, 2020 stressed alot on the outbreak of the Corona virus, which during the course of the year 2020 killed million across the globe and a good number of Cameroonians died as a result of the virus. According the President the Economic of the country was greatly touched given the barrier measures that were put in place to limit the spread of the virus.

His addressed on National TV

"You will understand, I am sure, that I begin this traditional message by telling you about the irruption, on our planet of the Corona virus. In this regard the year 2020 will be remembered as a dark year, mark by thousands of deaths around the world."
This were the opening words from the head of state during his address to the Nation.

The President also acknowledge that Cameroon was not an exception, eventhough not as serious as other states, COVID - 19 left many families in mourning, as the virus took away their love ones. The President also applauded the efforts of health workers given the risk they take in saving lives, since the outbreak of the virus.

While giving hope to Cameroonians, President Paul Biya said that, the outbreak of the virus is not the first pandemic and history has it that epidemics have wiped out entire populations; The most recent having broken out after the first world war.

The President, cried out that he has personally observed that Cameroonians no longer respect the protective measures put in place by the government. On this note the president said.

"As everywhere else, we see a second wave of the epidemic, coupled with the appearance of a new strain of the virus that is more contagious, I urge you once again to wear your  marks, to wash your hands regularly. And to seek medical attention or other health care personnels in case symptoms appear. This is the only way to save lives and stop the spread of the virus." Said Paul Biya.

His address on May 19, 2020

The head of state first addressed the Nation on the outbreak of the Corona virus on May 19,2020, during which he called on Cameroonains to respect the barrier measures put in place by the world health organization and the government of Cameroon to limit the spread of the virus. Before and after his addressed, strick rules were put in place for the respect of the barrier measures. The compulsory wearing of facemasks, not more than 50 persons in a public gathering amongst others.

One week after the address in which the President of the Republic instructed Cameroonians on the barrier measures to limit the spread of the Corona virus, Little or nothing is being done on the ground to implement these measures as Cameroonians go about their daily activities visibly without the wearing of face mask and the respect of other measures, like the regular washing of hands, greetings with the hands, Physical distancing are amongst the barrier measures hardly respected.

Things seems to be very normal as wash hand buckets has become dustbin in some areas, markets and other public spaces no longer fear what has been described globally as a deadly virus.

Abandoned wash hand station

At a time when a vaccine is been administer in some Countries to prevent the virus, reports from health authorities says the positive cases are in an increasing rate and there is a need for reinforcement to stop the spread of the urgle virus.

Given that vaccine is not yet in Cameroon, Cameroonians will have to rethink so as to join forces and fight the spread of the virus so that the sad moments experience in 2020 because of the virus will not be the case this year 2021.

By Arnaud Kouamo