CORONAVIRUS: Ethiopia’s 11 New Cases Take Total Count to 317

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has reported 11 additional coronavirus infections today, bringing the total count to 317.

Over the past twenty-four hours, 4225 people have been tested for COVID-19, a disease caused by coronavirus, in various parts of the country.

Eleven of them confirmed positive for COVID-19, reported the Ministry of Health and added: “all of them are Ethiopians with their age ranging from 15 to 45 years old”.

The Ministry’s report indicates that six of the patients are identified from Jigjiga quarantine center while the other four are recorded in Addis Ababa.

Authorities have identified the remaining one patient from Ataye Town quarantine center, located in North Shoa Zone of Amhara regional state.

– Increasing trend –

Seven of the newly confirmed patients are imported cases while three patients contracted the virus the previously confirmed cases, according to the daily report.

One patient, on the other hand, has no travel history or contact with previously confirmed cases.

With no recovered patient reported today, the ministry said the number of patients in COVID-19 treatment rose from 183 to 194.

Ethiopia reported its first case in March 13, 2020.

It took 25 days for the 50th case to register on April 7. As of May 9, Ethiopia had recorded 210 cases, it means that it took a week for the next 100 cases to be registered.

Worried by the recent spike especially since the start of May, authorities are consistently urging the public to adhere to precautionary measures to keep themselves safe.

“We need to be reminded that every single action we take determines the risk of getting the virus,” said Dr. Lia Tadesse, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health.

Frequent hand washing, wearing face masks when in public, maintaining physical distance, staying at home and avoiding public gatherings are the main pieces of advice given by the health experts to the public.

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Image: Minister of Health Dr. Lia