COVID-19 Positivity Rate Reaches Zenith as Fourth Wave Sets In


COVID-19 Positivity Rate Reaches Zenith as Fourth Wave Sets In

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute announced that the positivity rate for COVID-19 has reached up to 89pc in select areas of Addis Abeba where it conducted surveys. People have been flocking to health centres for treatment for a flu-like disease presenting symptoms such as headache, fatigue, back and joint pain, and coughing. The Institute has cautioned the public to take the illness seriously as a potential COVID-19 infection. Of the 55,562 people that went to the health centres in the capital for treatment in the past week, close to half tested positive for COVID-19. Country-wide, the positivity rate is hovering around 36pc, up from five percent two weeks ago. The Institute warns that another wave of the pandemic has come with potentially devastating consequences. Last week alone, some 41 people succumbed to the virus while 260 patients were admitted to intensive care units. Over 33,000 people tested positive over the same period.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...