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Cameroon COVID Spread Frees Prisoners

Moki Edwin Kindzeka

   YAOUNDE - Thousands of Cameroonian prisoners have effectively regained
   their freedom, as ordered by the central African state's President Paul
   Biya, after his government reported that the coronavirus pandemic was
   spreading and inmates were among the groups with the highest level of
   exposure. The government has, however, not provided the number of
   infected inmates but says more than 1,500 people have been tested
   COVID-19 positive in Cameroon in less than two months, with over 50
   deaths.

   Speaking via a messaging application from Cameroon's English-speaking
   northwestern town of Bamenda Henry Asaah Ngu, superintendent of the
   Bamenda Central prison says the 138 inmates who have regained their
   freedom were all tested COVID-19-free. He says their departure makes it
   possible for prison staff to ensure that compliance with principles of
   hygiene is effective to check the spread of the coronavirus.

   "With this release, we will be able to apply very strictly that aspect
   of social distancing even within the prison," he said.

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