Day to day, there is an increase in the number of reported cases coronavirus globally, so is in Ethiopia though the pace of the surge appears slow. Yet, as the pandemic gains more footholds in Africa, the country may see an increase in the cases as it also pop up its preparation to minimize the risk. In fact, grappling with one of the worst pandemic breakout in the history of the world, countries are also taking strict measures to contain the viral disease.
So far, the country reported 29 confirmed cases of recording no grave fatality or death. Having to learn from hard it countries in Europe, the country has had late comer opportunities to deal with the virus. Since the first confirmed in the country, the government has put in place various step as per of fighting the virus. Some of the must take measures could in fact come with costs. And yet again, saving lives come first priority.
From imposing ban in gatherings to slushing public transportation and mobility, both the federal government and state administrations
are placing different counter steps. As testing poised to increase, the government warned that the country could see the cases increasing. With so much work to be done to bring behavioral change in the people and for the measures to work effectively , the trend would enforce the country to take some painful yet must take actions.
Recommended as the better way to fight the virus, the country should also consider large-scale lockdown of cities that hosts large population and massive mobility. Stay at home order needs to be not an order but must. Surly, nothing could be ruled out when it comes to fighting the virus. However, these measures indeed have huge economic and social ramifications, and the country needs to prepare and ensure the fix does not hurt the people as much as the virus can cause in this regard.
Mobilizing national resources , strengthening public private partnership are not an option but must if the country is to avoid human carnage which some of the European developed nations are enduring.
The Ethiopian Herald April 3/2020
