On Friday, February 12, 2021, it emerged from the COVID-19 Regional Advocacy meeting that the number of cases of COVID-19 has been increasing rapidly over the last few weeks.

“This is evidence of the existence of a second wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Region,” the Governor said in a statement.

His words: “Worse of all, during the last 10 days, the Region recorded 116 positive cases of COVID-19 with 5 COVID-19 related deaths. The cumulative statistics for COVID-19 in the North West Region are as follows: 1,189 Persons tested positive, with 935 recoveries, 173 active cases on treatment, and unfortunately 81 deaths (with 40 occurring in Health Facilities and 41 in communities).”

Governor Lele said Mezam, Boyo, Donga Mantung, and Ngoketunjia Divisions have the most COVID-19 cases. “The City of Bamenda still constitutes the epicenter of the pandemic with the highest number of cases reported,” he said.

The Governor regrets that many people are no longer respecting the COVID-19 barrier measures prescribed by the Government of Cameroon and the World Health Organisation.

“I am therefore calling on the stakeholders in the North West Region especially media professionals and bloggers to step up sensitization of the population on the strict respect of barrier measures against COVID-19, such as the systematic wearing of facemasks when leaving the house, handwashing with soap and running water, maintenance of social distancing at all times,” Governor Lele said. “These measures should also be strictly respected in all primary and secondary schools, churches and markets.”

The Governor says the entire population should closely collaborate with the health authorities, to give the Mass Campaign for COVID-19 testing, which is planned for the next three months in all health facilities, schools, and communities, a resounding success.

Cameroon recorded its first Coronavirus cases in March 2020. Since then, 32,098 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported. Of this number, 479 have died while 29,609 have recovered.