Coronavirus has been spreading rapidly across the world. The coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March, 2020.
As a means to control its spread some countries are enforcing a lockdown. Many peoples in the world are now staying indoors and social distancing has become the best option to avoid further threat. Ethiopia reported the first coronavirus case on 13 March 2020 and the victim was a Japanese citizen.
Starting from that day, Ethiopia has paid due attention to stem the spread of the virus. In the fight against the disease, respective government institutions like the Ministry of Health and others and House of Peoples’ Representatives is crucial. In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, House’s Deputy Speaker Shitaye Minale stated that the virus is challenging even to developed countries and it is causing the death of thousands of people.
She reported that before Ethiopia reports the first confirmed case, the House’s Women, Youth and Social Affairs Standing Committee had held field observation on Ministry of Health and Public Health
Institute to evaluate their preparation to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus. “The MPs have appreciated the institution’s preparation in their field observation.”
She also said that the Standing Committee is working cooperatively with Ministry of Health and the monitoring and supervision work of the Standing Committee will be continued and strengthened in the future. Currently, government’s measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus are very interesting.
And also, the coordination of government, health professionals and other concerning bodies is going very well, according to her. She noted that major challenges that Ethiopia faces during prevention process are: lack of awareness among citizens; the increasing number of population; economic hurdle and the dense settlement pattern of the population.
“One of the major prevention of the spread of the virus is social distancing, but the lifestyle of Ethiopians is difficult to apply this.”
She stressed that medical professionals, communication experts, scholars, volunteers, the academic community in Ethiopia have to work cooperatively and come up with solutions to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
She added that all the citizens need to play an important role in fighting against the virus by applying the advices of health professionals and concerning institutions properly.
On his part, Tagesse Chaffo, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, requested all citizens of the nation to be cautious more than ever in the fight against COVID-19. “The precaution measures on the virus should be dealt continuously,” according to a press release sent to The Ethiopian Herald.
Everyone across the nation should embrace the advices of the health professionals of the nation along with the precautionary measures from World Health Organization, he said, adding that it is well known that the WHO is the ultimate global source of info concerning pandemics like Corona virus.
He insisted that citizens must be curious enough in acting against the deadly COVID-19. The prevention efforts are on the way but, not satisfactory as to the Speaker. And as a result, he strictly underlined precaution as the best prevention.
According to him, people ought to obey advices and take precautionary measures into account. He says, “We shall leave the rest for the Supreme Deity. I hereby request everyone in the nation to stand together in the fight and inherit the prosperous nation.” He disclosed that the House has fully dedicated its duties to the national cause, which is fighting the spread of Corona virus.
After Ethiopia confirmed the first case of coronavirus the government took different measures to prevent the spread of the virus – Office of the Prime Minister announced that schools, sporting events, and public gatherings shall be suspended for 15 days starting from 16 March 2020; Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to 30 countries affected with the coronavirus on 20 March 2020 and also it was announced that anyone entering the country should undergo a mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days.
And also, Night clubs in Addis Ababa are also to remain closed until further notice; On 23 March 2020, Ethiopia closed all land borders and deployed security forces to halt the movement of people along the borders; On 25 March 2020, 4,011 prisoners were granted pardon for those who are convicted of minor crimes and those who are about to be released by the President Sahlework Zewde in an effort to prevent the coronavirus spread; on 29 March 2020, Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to more than 80 countries; the Council of Ministers has decided the federal government employees to work from homes based on the criteria of each institution effective March 25, 2020 until further notice.
The Ethiopian Herald April 3/2020
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
