Radar | Dec 10,2018
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]
Radar | Dec 10,2018
Fortune News | Jun 20,2020
My Opinion | May 07,2022
View From Arada | Jan 15,2022
Fortune News | Nov 27,2018
Radar | May 26,2021
My Opinion | Aug 17,2019
View From Arada | Apr 30,2021
Films Review | Jun 20,2020
Radar | Jan 16,2021
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...
Sep 8 , 2024
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's (PhD) visit to China last week could mark a watershed mom...
Sep 1 , 2024
Addis Abeba's skyline is being dramatically altered. Once characterised by unremarkab...
Aug 25 , 2024
It may appear distasteful, unappealing and cumbersome to sight. But, the Addis Abeba...
Aug 18 , 2024
The economy is in turmoil, and describing the situation as merely dire could be an un...
Loading your updates...