Briefs

Compiled by Doh Bertrand in Yaounde

More Covid-19 Testing Centres Created

Government has increased the number of Covid-19 testing centres in Yaounde in the Centre Region as a means to help combat the spread of the virus. About ten new sampling centres have gone operational with residents urged to go and get tested. The testing centres operate between 8am and 4pm and beyond. Test results are delivered within 72 hours by SMS and at the centres.

Gov’t to Increase Support to Medics

Officials of the Ministry of Public Health have stressed the need to provide more psychological and psycho-social support to health workers fighting to contain the Covid-19 pandemic given the challenges. Dr. Alain Georges Etoundi Mballa, Director of Pandemics and Epidemics at the Ministry made the appeal Tuesday during the daily briefing on the epidemiological situation of the virus in Cameroon.

                He said such care should also be extended to family members who have lost their lost ones, those confined at home as well as those receiving treatment at the various assigned health centres. The population has also been cautioned to shun all practices which tend to stigmatize health workers, patients or family members of covid-19 patients.

French Groups Support Cameroon with Covid-19 Kits

A group of French businesses in Cameroon have lent their support to government in the fight to contain the coronavirus. The delegation led by the French Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E. Christophe Guilhou had fruitful discussions with the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Malachie Manaouda.

                The items coomprised 16.000 test kits and other donations comprising four tons of protective equipment, notably 15.000 surgical masks, 2000 washable masks, 45.000 gloves, 200 cans of disinfectants, detergents. Manaouda thanked the donors for the gesture which he said will boost the health workers on the frontline in the fight against the pandemic.

NW Region Intensifies Coronavirus Testing

Medics in the Northwest region have intensified the screening for the coronavirus after receiving rapid test kits from government. The Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr Kingsley Che Soh, has called on all the heads of the beneficiary structures to judiciously use the test equipment at their disposal. In total, about 21 health structures have received over 750 rapid test kits and officials say more will be provided on submission of a report on the effective use of the initial stock.

New Dates for GCE Exams

The Ministry of Secondary Education has made public new dates for the start of the end-of-year examinations across the country. The new examination calendar signed by the Minister of Secondary, Prof. Nalova Lyonga sets the practical sessions of the GCE O/A levels to run from 20 July to 5 August while the written session on its part will run from August 5-25. It also starts that the Common Entrance examination for Primary school pupils will be written on June 30.

                In line with the preparations, Nalova has urged head teachers not to overload students with assignments but focus on practical as well as the essentials they need for the exams. School authorities have also been urged to take measures to ensure late comers are not kept out of the school gates but placed in a separate hall that will be set aside as decided by each school but in strict respect of the Covid-19 measures.