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Cameroon City Makes Wearing Mask Mandatory in Fight Against Coronavirus

VOA News

   The mayor of one Camerooncitysays wearing a mask will be mandatory to
   slow the spread ofthedeadly coronavirus that has already infected 658
   people across the country and nine othershave died.

   RogerMbassaNdine, mayor of the coastal city of Douala, made the
   announcement Mondayas crewsbegan fanningout across the city Monday to
   pass out washable masks, in a new awareness campaign that will take
   them to other boroughs in the coming days.

   NemacheCelestin, a Douala teacher, welcomes the mayor's decision to
   make wearing a mask compulsory, saying "Cameroon and Africa do not have
   enough resources to deal with this pandemic." Shesaid"everyone must do
   everything to protect us from the pandemic."

   In recent days, police in Cameroon began arresting people who ignored
   measures aimed at curtailing the spread of the coronavirus.

   Despite government warnings, officials saya majority ofCameroonians are
   not taking the coronavirus seriously, and authorities are taking steps
   to enforce social distancing rules.

   President Sassou-Nguesso declared a state of health emergency, with a
   curfew from 8 pm to 5 am and everyone must stay at home,with the
   exception ofpeople who provide essential services and goods.

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