Starting from the time of its outbreak in China, the number of victims of COVID-19 has increased dramatically with also a sharp rise in the death toll worldwide. Negligence and absence of proper personal protection equipment is one of the threats that COVID-19 brought to the whole world.
Let alone the poor countries, those economically strongest nations have failed to counter this serious challenge. For this reason every nation is appealing the public to stay at home. This “Stay at home” strategy is not optional. Some countries are even enforcing it using their military personnel.
It has become more than a week since Ethiopian government is appealing the people to stay at home. However, due to lack of awareness or negligence or due to some economic reasons, some individuals are still violating government`s appeal and orders. Using this as a ground, The Ethiopia Herald had interviewed some scholars online to what extent the public is ready in implementing government appeal and orders.
Firenesh Alayu, is Ethiopian Medical Students President in Gondar. For her, most people are panicking instead of taking the right measure to prevent spread of the virus.
She said, panicking doesn`t halt spread of the virus. Listening government’s orders and health professionals does.
Ethiopian Medical Students Association Response teams are doing their level best to fight the virus. This includes using cost effective equipment.
According to her, “as the world is struggling to get personal protective equipment we should not wait donors to provide them to us. We are doing all necessary means until we get the necessary support.“
“As leaders of an Ethiopian Medical students Association in Gondar, my friends and I are trying different methods. For example, our team is on the verge of making cost effective personal protective equipment for medical students, interns and the society depending on the sponsors we get.”
Concerning government effort, Firenesh said the government is trying its best but it lacks coordination with regional governments. This needs to be addressed.
Firenesh stressed that while medical professionals are fighting to halt the spread of the virus, the public should support them. This support is simple. They should stay at home and take the necessary cares.
“Lock your door behind, keep your hands clean and fight the deadly enemy.”
Mr. Meheret Abera is a University lecturer. He said, everyone is morally as well as legally responsible to fight against the spread of COVID-19.
Staying at home is one of the strategies to halt the spread of the virus. “Therefore, we should stay at home for the safety of ourselves as well as others.”
“I can only speak about my role. The government has told me to stay at home. I’m in a lockdown following the closure of school. I’m following all the things the health professionals’ advice. I’m telling my family and friends to do exactly the same; I try to remind them during every phone call and chat with them.”
Eyayu Genet is a lecturer at Bahir-Dar University. He shares Meheret`s view. According to him, staying at home is the least but the profitable way one has to pay to save themselves and their loved ones.”
According to Eyayu, the public’s attitude is confusing. There is fear towards the spread of the virus, at the same time their response is poor.
The initiative from some individuals and government to halt the spread of the virus and treating victims is very increasing. Some individuals have gone far to the extent of providing their hotels to be used as a quarantine center. But, there is still gap in the area of medical equipment and personal protection equipment.
The government is doing its best. Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister are updating the public concerning the number of victims and ways of prevention.
Concerning the role of the public, Eyayu said negligence and carelessness have claimed the lives of many. Those nations have lost thousands of lives not because they don`t have doctors and medical equipment, it is because of negligence and carelessness. Thus, our people have to be careful and respect all the calls of the government.
The Ethiopian Herald April 3/2020
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
