Ethiopians are reportedly attacking foreigners over coronavirus - US Embassy

Ethiopians have reportedly started attacking foreigners in cities across the country after, accusing them of being infected with Covid-19, according to the US embassy in the country.

As of March 19, the BBC reports that Ethiopia has detected six cases of coronavirus - the first was that of a Japanese national who travelled from the West African state of Burkina Faso.

The global statistic of the deadly virus as of Thursday morning has risen to more than 221,000 cases with at least 8,997 death worldwide, according to Worldometer.

In a security alert posted on its website, the embassy said it "continues to receive reports regarding a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment" since the first case of the virus was detected in Africa's second-most populous state last week.

Typical derogatory comments such as “China” and “ferengi” (a reference to foreigners) have been "reportedly coupled with the label 'corona', indicating a disparaging view on the link between the outbreak of Covid-19 and foreigners in Ethiopia", it added.

"Reports indicate that foreigners have been attacked with stones, denied transportation services... being spat on, chased on foot, and been accused of being infected with Covid-19," the embassy added.

The embassy hereby advises that foreigner should take the following actions in order to ensure their safety:

• Avoid walking/hiking/biking alone.



• Do not walk throughout the city or residential areas, especially after dark.



• If yelled at or spat upon, do not engage or otherwise escalate the encounter. Do your best to immediately leave the situation/area.



• Maintain situational awareness. Avoid wearing headphones or using handheld electronic devices in public area.



• If you think you are being followed, do not go home. Go to the closet major establishment, hotel or police station.



• If you are in a vehicle, lock your doors and keep your window rolled up.