Curbing the Spread of COVID-19 Pandemic Caused by SARS-CoV-2: Considering Psychological, SocioLegal and Ethical Implications on Preventive Measures in Cameroon

Abstract

The emergence of human to human novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China rapidly became a global pandemic and it ultimately lead towards medical, legal and ethical concerns which need to be addressed. As compared to current zoonotic infections, the spread of COVID-19 is exceptional; with higher severity as well as more confirmed mortality. The mode of transmission is primarily through respiratory droplets with incubation times (1 – 14 days) which is quite similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1). Reports show that it has claimed more lives as compared to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Till now, it is difficult to present a clear conclusive information about the prevention as well as the spread of this viral infection and therefore no clear cut treatment guidelines are available. Hence, it is difficult to project how to live with this viral infection, the Government of many countries including Cameroon have provided some public health measures to help in the reduction of its spread. These measures include amongst others; isolation, quarantine, social distancing, regular washing of hands with soap, use of hand sanitizers, staying and working from home and obligatory wearing of masks in public places. Proper implementation of these measures require relevant and effective communication as well as sensitization projects to be put in place to abreast the community and individuals to comply with the procedures. It is the inherent role of the Government of Cameroon to ensure that adequate supplies of essential needs (masks, clean water, soap, hand sanitizers) are available for the vulnerable and underprivileged members of society during this health crisis. Here, we are going to explore the psychological, socio-economic, and ethico-legal concerns of this pandemic, through its implementation of isolation, quarantine, social distancing, constant washing of hands with soap, use of hand sanitizers, staying and working from home, obligatory wearing of masks in public places and national lockdown. The implication of these measures on the life of the population in a low middle income country like Cameroon has been elucidated.