ADDIS ABABA – The government of Ethiopia is applying strict measures against the entry of Novel Corona Virus into the country, according to Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)
EPHI Director General Dr. Ebba Abate told journalists yesterday that the government is ready to ‘act’ vigorously in controlling the spread of Novel Corona virus -2019 (2019-nCoV) by screening of passengers arriving in to the country at Bole International Airport.
Ethiopia must be free from the virus as it is one of the major destinations and transit hub for many flights from various countries including China. Therefore heightening preventive act is instrumental.
Ethiopian started screening passengers flying in from Wuhan and other Chinese cities where -nCoV2019 outbreak has been started and nations where the virus is detected. As to him Ethiopia will remain at high alert since the risk of spread of this highly contagious virus to Africa is very high given the large number of flights and people that fly through Addis Ababa.
“At Bole International Airport two screening facilities are established for fever screening, while Tikur Anbessa Hospital and Saint Paul’s Millennium Medical College are made standby in case any further medications are required.
According to him, Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) as well as Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) and other pertinent stakeholders are working in collaboration.
The institute is engaged in strengthening surveillance efforts according to the guidelines of WHO. The Institute also is working in collaboration with local States and disclosed tall free # 8335.
The Ethiopian Herald Jan 25, 2020
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
