Coronavirus has nothing to do with nationality - Ethiopia's PM tells countrymen

The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, has released a statement telling his countrymen that coronavirus has nothing to do with one's nationality

This is coming after the US embassy in the country raised an alarm that Ethiopians are attacking foreign nationals in the suspicion of being infected.

AS of Thursday, March 19, Ethiopia has recorded a total of six confirmed coronavirus cases, including a Japanese and UK diplomat.

A statement from Abiy Ahmed's office said:

"It is important to note that the virus is NOT related to any country or nationality.

"Everyone is equally at risk and therefore adhering to the evidence-based Ministry of Health prevention and care guidelines is essential.

"Prevention efforts need not be a barrier to our humanity and disposition for compassion.

"As a global community, we are each other’s keepers. Let us not let fear rob us of our humanity."

On a global scale, the deadly virus has, as at the time of this report, infected a total of 229,917 leaving more than 9,300 dead, according to Worldometer.

BBC