Ethiopians and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin who live overseas, and particularly those who are in countries that are the current epicenter of the virus are, highly vulnerable to the pandemic, COVID-19.
As fear mounts, Embassies of Ethiopia in Washington and in Riyadh have informed the diaspora communities to be watchful as the pandemic is growing fast.
Alem Teshome, 26, is an Ethiopian who is living in New York, the U.S. He told The Ethiopian Herald that the pandemic is so scary that several Ethiopians are so worried about the virus’ current and protracted effects. “We are staying at home and praying to God. No other option.”
Embassies should continue supplying relevant information to their communities using social media and they should get proper information about the situations of Ethiopians living under various stressful conditions to quickly respond to their pleas, according to him.
Zebiba Yimer, is Ethiopian Citizen living in Saudi Arabia. According to her, several Ethiopians who are living in her neighborhood are found in areas where there is a threat of the virus.
“Though we are in lockdown, the government (Saudi’s Government) has been giving priority for its citizens. Undocumented migrant workers could be there, but this is time to prioritize humanity more than anything else.”
Last week, Foreign Minister, Gedu Andargachew, had a Tele Conference with Ethiopian Ambassadors living abroad. During their conversation they have discussed ways of safeguarding Ethiopian citizens living around the epicenters of COVID-19.
The Ethiopian Herald May 1/2020
BY YESUF ENDRIS
