• The Government have put in place a raft of measures, including the closure of all borders except to those bringing in essential goods to contain the virus.
• Government has also directed security officials to monitor and enforce a ban on large gatherings and overcrowded public transport to ensure social distancing.
• Ethiopia launched a National Resource Mobilization Committee to pool funds and nonfinancial resources in preparation for a "worst-case scenario," according to a statement shared by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Twitter.
Ethiopian President, Sahle-Work Zewde has granted pardon to more than 4,000 prisoners in an effort to prevent overcrowding in prisons and contain the spread of the coronavirus.
This comes as Ethiopians are calling on their government to lift months-long internet shutdowns in parts of Ethiopia where government forces have clashed with an Oromo separatist group.
The directive only covers those given a maximum sentence of three years for minor crimes and those who were about to be released from jail, she said.
The blackout has left millions unable to access information about the pandemic.
Sahle-Work Zewde announced the order in a tweet on Wednesday and said it would help prevent overcrowding in prisons.
The Government have put in place a raft of measures, including the closure of all borders except to those bringing in essential goods to contain the virus.
Government has also directed security officials to monitor and enforce a ban on large gatherings and overcrowded public transport to ensure social distancing.
Ethiopia launched a National Resource Mobilization Committee to pool funds and nonfinancial resources in preparation for a "worst-case scenario," according to a statement shared by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Twitter.
"This is the time to redirect our energy from panic, fear and worry towards purposeful contribution by pooling whatever resources we have for a national emergency stockpile," the statement read.
Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities have expelled Guardian journalist Ruth Michaelson after she reported that Egypt has far more coronavirus cases than have been officially reported.
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