“Together, with a spirit of citizenship, courage and sense of responsibility, let’s bar the spread of the coronavirus by respecting the guidelines of the Government and the World Health Organisation,” the SMS signed by Paul Biya read.

Chief Dr. Dion Ngute Joseph, Prime Minister, Head of Government has since taken the relay to expound on the various measures prescribed by the President of the Republic in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

“The public is urged to strictly observe the hygiene measures recommended by the World Health Organisation, including regular hand washing with soap, avoiding close contact such as shaking hands or hugging, and covering the mouth when sneezing,” Dion Ngute said in a tweet in furtherance of presidential prescriptions.

On March 18 when the thirteen measures instructed by the President of the Republic, Paul Biya went into effect, the Prime Minister called on the public to observe the measures “with responsibility, discipline and solidarity, while not giving in to panic.”

In many other tweets, the PM reminds citizens that gatherings of more than 50 persons are prohibited throughout the national territory, averring that a system for regulating consumer flows will be set up in markets and shopping centres.

Although the country’s territorial borders were closed from March 18, the Prime Minister in a statement said “In accordance with the CEMAC Treaty, trade with member countries continues under strict observance of appropriate health controls.”

Enter Senator Mbella Moki Charles

On Sunday, Senator Mbella Moki Charles of the South West Constituency took to Facebook to harp on the killer nature of the novel coronavirus and urged citizens to diligently adhere to measures taken by government to roll back the pandemic.

“The threat is real and devastating ... Let us be humble and face realities. The challenge is huge and enormous. We should as a Nation seek God,” said the Senator.

The former two-term Mayor of Buea in two separate Facebook posts Monday March 23, 2020 warned that ignoring the measures taken by government could be disastrous.

His words: “COVID 19: Our major towns should stop ignoring government advice. Coronavirus is not a hoax. It is an urgency of the moment.”

“We need no other argument, we need no other plea. Coronavirus is a pandemic. Everyone should respect government's advice.”

Although some persons have been quick to remind the Senator that lawmakers were the first to flout presidential anti-coronavirus directives, others are of the opinion that it is not too late for the Senate and the National Assembly to adjourn their on-going First Ordinary Sessions given that gatherings of more than 50 persons have been prohibited.