An American citizen who was suspected of contracting the novel coronavirus in the Far North Region has tested negative, the Minister of Public Health Dr Malachie Manaouda has revealed.

According to the Public Health Minister, the concerned citizen arrived the Far North Region on February 19 but had no contributory medical history.

However, the person concerned was confined to a safe area where samples were collected and analyses carried out by the Centre Pasteur in Yaounde, the Minister said adding that the results were negative with the clinical condition of the patient satisfactory.

The Minister of Public Health used the opportunity to call on the population to remain vigilant and observe recommended hygiene rules.  He added that passengers from countries where the disease is currently rife should report to health authorities for monitoring immediately they step foot in Cameroon.

«Any person who travelled out of Cameroon or has been in contact with a traveller coming from the countries affected by Covid-19 and who presents symptons such as a runny nose, cough sometimes acccompanied by fever, to immediately call the toll-free number 1510 in order to be given proper care, » Dr Malachie Manaouda said.

Staff at ports of entry and health care personnel in health facilities have equally been called upon to remain vigilant and reinforce preventive measures as well as report any suspected cases in compliance with the guidelines in force.