Ethiopia places 992 individuals under follow up for COVID-19

Addis Ababa, March 17, 2020 (FBC) –Ethiopia has placed under follow up 992 individuals believed to have had contact with confirmed coronavirus patients.

Ethiopia reported its first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) last Friday. The number of cases jumped to five yesterday.

Ethiopian Public Health Institute said “those who have had close contact with the five confirmed cases have been placed under follow up for fourteen days. Currently 992 are under follow up.”

The institute further stated that about 34 individuals are currently in an isolation center waiting for their laboratory results.

They are among the 113 individuals who were made to stay in the center as of January 24, 2020.

So far, 74 of the laboratory tests came out negative and the individuals have since joined the community.

The institute advised people to call 8335 immediately for medical help if they experience fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Ethiopia yesterday suspended schools, sporting events and large gatherings for at least fifteen days after five confirmed cases.

Coronavirus has so far sickened over 184,000 people and left more than 7, 000 dead. Nearly 80,000 people have recovered from the virus

About 158 countries have reported COVID-19 cases.