Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday declared a state of emergency to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus, his office said on Twitter.

"Considering the gravity of the COVID-19, the government of Ethiopia has enacted a State of Emergency," Abiy's office said.

Africa's second most populous nation at more than 110 million, Ethiopia has recorded 52 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and two deaths.

Authorities have already taken measures to stem the spread including closing schools, banning public gatherings and requiring most employees to work from home.

The prime minister did not mention what additional steps would be taken under the state of emergency but the attorney general's office said the period would last five months.

Anyone who violates any rules and measures imposed under the state of emergency faces up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 Ethiopian birr ($6,149.40), according to the attorney general's office.