(MENAFN- Afghanistan Times) By Farhad Naibkhel
KABUL: Afghanistan has now 22 coronavirus cases. Public Health
Ministry said on Monday said that five more Covid-19 cases have been recorded
in Herat, Logar and Badghis provinces, pushing the total number of the infected
to 22 cases in Afghanistan.
The patients had recently returned from Iran where
coronavirus cases have seen largest daily jump since last week with a rapid
spike in death toll.
Minister of Public Health Ferozuddin Feroz told a press
conference on Monday that two suspected cases from Heart, two from Logar and
one from Badghis have been tested positive.
This is as 37 patients suspected to have been infected with
the virus have escaped from Sheidayi hospital. They have reportedly shattered
hospital glasses and beaten up doctors to make their way out.
Twelve cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Herat, three
in Samangan, two in Logar, one in Badghis, one in Kapisa, one in Balkh and one
in Daikundi province; and the patients are under intensive care, said Minister
Feroz.
'So far, 264 suspected cases have been collected and tested in
laboratories, out of which 22 were positive. Another case is being tested,' he
added.
Most infections being Herat indicates that that province is
very vulnerable as it is near Iran. Minister Feroz said 96 new health workers have
been deployed in Herat to combat the spread of the virus. A hospital was opened
recently in Herat and another 300-bed facility will be established and
expanded, he said.
'A total of 8.5 million afs, medicine and kits worth 12
million afs, and 5 million afs medical equipment have been sent to Herat,' said
the minister.
'We have opened a 100-bed hospital in Kabul, one in Nangarhar,
and another in Kandahar, and a 200-bed facility in Balkh. There is a 30-bed
isolated ward in Nimroz and another in Farah,' he said.
He elaborated that 30,000 diagnostic kits are available as
well as 30,000 kits pledge by China and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Also MoPH doctors and staffs are on high alert in order to
fight this epidemic disease threats in the country, he mentioned.
He said that each individuals and families have the
responsibility to work against this threat in the society.
In advance for more assurance, besides testing in Kabul the
samples were sent to Netherland for testing, but after number of test which was
correct, now samples are testing in Kabul, he noted.
Technical efforts are underway to establish diagnostic
center in Herat, Balkh, Kandahar and Nangarhar provinces.
He said that screening programs boosted up in Herat Kandahar
as well as it was started in Kabul entrance gate.
Guidance also has been established for the governmental and
non-governmental offices.
Around four weeks ago MoPH declared that the first
Coronavirus was registered in western Herat province. The person, who detected
with Coronavirus infection, had recently returned from Qum city of Iran the
neighboring country.
This came while recently return of Afghan refugee increased
from Iran the neighboring country, where Coronavirus has killed hundreds of
people and it caused a matter of concern for people and they are asking the
Afghan government to take a serious step for reduction of risk in the
aspect.
Afghan government shuts schools, bans public events amid
coronavirus fears.
Director General for Office of Public and Strategic Affairs
of the Government of Afghanistan Waheed Omar said that based on government
committee decision, funerals ceremonies for men must be held in open space not
in mosques and for female inside the houses in open air with limits. Ministry
of Hajj and Religious Affairs, Kabul Municipality and Locality organs are
tasked to take step in this regard.
Afghan government asked all people to avoid of attending to
the gatherings including wedding and engagement parties to be safe of probable
risk of Coronavirus.
According to report
the Afghanistan's Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service
Commission said that those civil servants who are aged 58-65 could work from
home for three weeks from today (Monday) as a precaution against coronavirus.
Female employees who are pregnant have also asked to work
from home for two weeks.
Similar those employees who have recently returned from
countries where coronavirus has spread were ordered to use their annual leave
for two weeks.
Afghan government also closed all schools, institutes and
Universities for a month as well as has canceled New Year festival and all
sports events to prevent spreading of Covid-19 throughout the country.
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