By Staff Reporter
March 30, 2020 (Ezega.com) -- Several regional states in Ethiopia have imposed a travel ban in the hope of slowing down the spread of coronavirus, while cases in the country slowly but steadily increased.
The horn African nation has reported a total of 23 cases so far and most patients have been infected with the virus when traveling overseas, but five cases of local transmissions were now also under investigation.
Accordingly, the Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Benishangul Gumuz and South Nations Nationalities Peoples States have imposed lockdown and travelers cannot go into the regions effective Monday, March 30, 2020.
The Oromia regional government also announced totally suspension of transportation services in all cities and towns of the region until further notice.
Meanwhile, authorities in Tigray Regional State ordered the closure of all cafes and restaurants beginning Sunday, March 29, 2020, as an effort to halt the spread of the Novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
A task-force chaired by the Vice President of the regional state, Debretsion G. Michael, also banned landlords from evicting tenants, suspended any increases in rents, and obliged local and international travelers entering the Regional State to report to the nearest health office as of April 9, 2020.
The Tigray police reportedly killed a young man who was allegedly breached instructions introduced by the command post of the region.
The Amhara region has called on people who arrived in the region to report to nearby health bureau after two people who came from Dubai and the US were confirmed positive for the virus.
They were also instructed to give a list of names individuals with whom they have had contact with.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister has called on the public to collaborate and become more disciplined and abide by instructions from the government and health institutions to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
In his video address on Monday, the Prime Minister said that the total number of confirmed cases has reached to 23, with two recoveries and no fatality.
Abiy said the country has managed to test more than 800 people, mainly passengers, against COVID-19 over the past month.
He expressed concern over the reluctance of urban dwellers to heed advice and containment measures to deal with the spread of the virus.
In a statement, Ethiopian Airlines said it has suspended flights to more than 80 international destinations as of 29 March, 2020, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The national flag carrier said it will continue to provide cargo services to all served cargo deviations.
Despite a 50% decline in the domestic market, Ethiopian has continued to operate all its domestic services.
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