News Analysis | Feb 17,2024
Gradually, people are coming out of their homes. Streets that were once all but quiet, such as Megenagna roundabout (in picture), are filling with people once again. This time the streets are populated by masked pedestrians and street vendors that are trying to meet the demand for personal protective gear.
Much like the streets, restaurants and cafes have also begun to reopen and regain some of their customers, while civil servants, many of whom had been told to work from home, are being recalled by government offices. Addis Abeba has not returned to its pre-COVID-19 days, but the shadow cast by the pandemic over business activities and movements of people is slowly lifting.
The change in attitude has occurred despite the higher number of cases confirmed over the past week. On Saturday, the country confirmed 19 cases, bringing the total to 306. Five people have died due to the virus.
In response to the public's complacency, the Addis Abeba Police Commission began taking aggressive measures throughout the past week. Focusing on places with high volume of traffic, such as marketplaces and bus stops, police detained people who were not wearing face masks or heeding physical distancing measures.
"The responses have been very positive from people as we're ensuring their safety in this difficult time," said Fasika Fenta (Com.), communications head at the Addis Abeba Police Commission.
The Police Commission has, however, not won everyone's favour. Despite acknowledging the importance of the measures introduced by the government to contain the spread of the virus, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission questioned whether the response by the police or the measures were proportional to the threat posed by the individuals.
"Criminalising [non-observance of safety protocols] coupled with the history of our police force leaves room for abuse," said Daniel Bekele (PhD), head of the Commission, adding that it would be better for the government to focus on creating awareness about the virus.
You can read the full story here
PUBLISHED ON
May 16,2020 [ VOL
21 , NO
1046]
News Analysis | Feb 17,2024
Fortune News | Dec 11,2021
Viewpoints | Apr 09,2022
Fortune News | Sep 30,2023
Sunday with Eden | Oct 05,2024
Fortune News | Sep 18,2022
Radar | Dec 10,2018
Featured | Jan 07,2023
My Opinion | Aug 01,2020
Viewpoints | Aug 28,2021
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transportin...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
The cracks in Ethiopia's higher education system were laid bare during a synthesis re...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Construction authorities have unveiled a price adjustment implementation manual for s...
Nov 16 , 2024
In the realm of public finance, balance sheets speak louder than rhetoric. In such do...
Nov 9 , 2024
Ethiopia's foreign exchange debacle resembles a tangled web of contradictions and con...
Nov 2 , 2024
Addis Abeba, fondly dubbed a 'New Flower,' is wilting under the weight of unchecked u...
Oct 26 , 2024
When flames devoured parts of Mercato, residents watched helplessly as decades of toi...
Loading your updates...