BY STAFF REPORTER
Following the ever increasing number of people infected by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Ethiopian Health Minister, Dr. Lia Tadesse expressed her concern saying the increment can indicate the occurrences of the third wave of the pandemic in Ethiopia.
In a press briefing held last Tuesday, the Minister said that, in the past week alone, 5,547 people were infected by the virus. The current prevalence rate, compared with the last few months which had been only two and three percent, has reached an average rate of 12 percent.
People admitted to intensive care units on the daily basis have also increased alarmingly. In the past week 66 people passed away and at present, on average 9 people die due to the pandemic, she added.
And all these statistical evidences and situations show the occurrence of the third wave. Thus, the people should strictly adhere to the COVID-19 pandemic precautions protocols that are set to control and prevent the spread of the virus.
Concurrent to exercising the set precautions, they should get vaccinated, Dr. Lia stressed.
As to the Minister, so far, 2.3 million COVID-19 jabs have been administered across the country. In the capital Addis Ababa, people aged over 35, and those who are over 18 and have underlying health conditions, vulnerable individuals owing to their professions, and in states, people aged over 55, and those aged 18 but have serious clinical cases as well as people who are among high risk group of the pandemic have taken the jabs.
The Minister also urged concerned sections of the society to go to the health facilities and get vaccinated.
The communities should exercise COVID-19 precaution measures more seriously than before. They should apply physical distancing accordingly, use facemasks properly and sanitize hands regularly. Likewise, they should reduce unnecessary gatherings.
What is more, whenever, they suspect or feel symptoms of the pandemic, they should isolate themselves, and consult health practitioners, she said.
She also disclosed that the existing COVID-19 protocol (Directive No. 30/2013) that was put in place to control and curb the spread of the pandemic was amended and a new one (Directive No. 803/2013) is set. The Ministry will give sufficient information for the public about the directives and the law enforcement operation will be further strengthened, she underscored.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD AUGUST 26/ 2021
