Ethiopia banned public gatherings of more than four people, in measures introduced as part of a state of emergency to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
Attorney general Adanech Abiebie announced the measures on Saturday which included the banning of meetings of more than four people for religious, political, Iddir (bereavement gatherings), Ekub (rotating savings association), Debo (voluntary collective work). However, funerals and “other important activities” could be authorized under certain conditions.
Other regulations included banning landlords from evicting tenants and increasing rent prices, and companies from laying off workers and terminating employment. Visits to prison except for lawyers would be suspended. Outdoor sports venues, places of amusement for children are also required to close. Public transportation services will limit passenger numbers to 50 percent of capacity, the Attorney General said. The measure also prohibits handshakes.
On April 8, Ethiopia has declared a five-month state of emergency in response to the growing number of COVID-19 across the country. “Failure to observe the measures would lead to imprisonment for a period of three years or fine of ranging in scale from 1,000 birr to 200,000 birr,” it was said.
The country currently has 69 coronavirus cases and three deaths.
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