EPHI says 106 suspected cases test negative for COVID-19

Addis Ababa, March 25, 2020 (FBC) –The Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI) said the laboratory results from 106 suspected cases of coronavirus have tested negative.

But 20 people who were made to stay in an isolation center are waiting for their laboratory results, said Dr Eba Abate, Director General of the Institute.

About 474 people who have arrived in Addis Ababa from different countries are in a mandatory 14-day quarantine since yesterday, he indicated.

As part of the efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, 2 million masks were distributed across the country, he added.

He further said  two additional COVID-19 laboratories will be opened soon.

Ethiopia has now 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The country has closed schools, universities and its land borders as well as ordered federal government employees, except selected ones, to work from home to prevent the spread of the pandemic.