COVID-19 not related to any country or nationality: PM Office

Addis Ababa, March 19, 2020 (FBC) –The Office of the Prime Minister said that the coronavirus (COVID-19) “is not related to any country or nationality.”

The remark came following reports of anti-foreigner sentiment revolving around the announcement of coronavirus in Ethiopia.

The U.S Embassy said yesterday that it “continues to receive reports regarding a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment revolving around the announcement of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.”

In a statement issued this afternoon, the Office of the Prime Minister  said “As COVID-19 awareness efforts continue nationally, it is important to note that the virus is not related to any country or nationality.”

“Everyone is equally at risk and therefore adhering to the evidence based Ministry of Health prevention and care guidelines is essential,” it added.

“Prevention efforts need not be a barrier to our humanity and disposition for compassion.”

“As a global community, we are each other’s keepers. Let us not let fear rob us of our humanity.”

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has now exceeded 220,000, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University.

The total is now 222,642 confirmed cases, and 9,115 deaths.

China still has the highest number of confirmed cases (81,154), while Italy has the second highest with 31,713.