ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopians in the diaspora have expressed solidarity to the concerted efforts of government, institutions and the public to fend off the corona pandemic in their homeland.
While under the lockdown in their respective countries of residence, the compatriots urged the government to further intensify preventive efforts before the pandemic goes worse. Amehaiyesus Yifredu from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates told The Ethiopian Herald in a video conference that almost all of UAE’s states are being locked down including its largest commercial city, Dubai.
He further stated people living there are implementing the government’s decision to stay home. As a result we Ethiopians are also in a safe mood through staying at home despite some challenges. Ethiopian embassy is also working dedicatedly to support its citizens found at the 7 states of UAE, he noted.
As to Amehaiyesus, although the Ethiopian government and religious institutions are making substantial decisions in order to safeguard Ethiopians from this pandemic, still there is limitation particularly on its implementation. So, then he suggested all Ethiopian learn from other countries that were highly harmed by the virus.
Tilahun Tadesse from Maryland, the USA on his part said that the pandemic is very risky for every country. Here in U.S., more than 90 percent of activities are locked down in order to mitigate spread of the virus across the nation. Also we Ethiopians are staying at home due to the state of emergency which U.S. government has undertaken.
As to him the strong coordination of Ethiopian government with religious institutions and the nation at all is very encouraging just to reduce the spread of the virus. More interestingly, the decision of Ethiopian Religious Council to announce individual praying for each society as confession is significant not only for Ethiopia but also for the world, he noted.
Similarly, the government should be active in making proper decision up on the state of emergency before the number of victims by the virus increased adding that it is time for Ethiopians to show their unity, harmony and synergy. According to him, the government should first complete the activity working on street children before lockdown. Deneke Moges from Doha, Qatar also said that a month is already passed in which all activities including Mosques and Churches are locked down. “Despite we are in a hard situation, things will be more difficult for Ethiopia because of its fledgling economy.
Therefore, the rest of the world including Ethiopian Diasporas must work with the government to pass this day, he noted. He also encourages Ethiopian investors who are giving their homes, hotels, religious halls, colleges and other materials for the preparedness in the prevention of COVID-19. According to them, this time needs the cooperation of scientists and physicians to get treatment for the virus.
Parallel with making kinds and financial support people in the universe should back to their God. All in all, the government of Ethiopia should work hard to prevent this pandemic virus. Also every individual across the world should obey governments’, physicians’ and religious institutions’ instructions to pass this difficult time, they suggested.
The Ethiopian Herald April 11/2020
BY HIZKEL HAILU
