Cameroon’s Employer cartel GICAM has appreciated measures rolled out by the government to mitigate the coronavirus. But wants increased support to enterprises and households to enable them tackle the shocks from the deadly pandemic.
In statement following the holding of an extra-ordinary session, the Groupement Interpatronal du Cameroun GICAM also called on companies to strictly adhere to the anti Covid-19 master plan by “respecting the restrictions imposed” and “strengthening the rules of hygiene at work.”
After observing “concerns and worries about the repercussions already perceptible on many companies, but especially on the economic, social and human disaster that could result from this pandemic,” GICAM has implored 1 the government to “urgently mobilize all the monetary, budgetary and commercial policy instruments” and to “put in place unprecedented support policies for businesses and households.”
Government last week unveiled 13 measures to slow the spread of Covid-19 across the country. Amongst them were the prohibition of schools, closing of the national borders, limitation of gatherings (not more than 50 persons) and regulation of the opening and closing time of businesses.
However, Cameroon’s Covid-19 curve continues to move upwards with 56 cases from five last week.
GICAM is presently conducting a study to determine the level of damage the coronavirus will have on the country’s economy. In a study published on March 13, 2020, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa predicts a fall of 3.1% in income from tourism and exports. The extra-ordinary session of CEMAC comes on the heels of a meeting with the Minister of Public Health on March 6, 2020 where the Minister Manaouda Malachie called on heads enterprises to remain calm and strictly follow measures put in place by the government.
