KABUL and decided to meet once a week to discuss the situation in the aftermath of coronavirus spread.

Late Sunday, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said two more positive cases of coronavirus have been registered in Afghanistan, taking the number of patients to 42 across the country.

WahidullahMayar, the health ministry advisor, told Pajhwok Afghan News two of the new positive cases had been detected in Logar and Samangan provinces.

He added as a result of political and other considerations, the western Herat province could not be quarantined so far, and this will have dangerous consequences.

However, Waheed Omar, a senior advisor to President in Public and Strategic Affairs, tweeted, “MoPH has decided to quarantine Herat province but the idea was rejected by local administration, provincial council, civil society, provincial public health department and chamber of commerce.”

NadarBaloch, a lawmaker from western Nimroz province, said: “Unfortunately spokesman of MoPH and a presidential advisor have contradictory stance on fighting COVID-19 as such comments make the nation disappointed, but it would be better to quarantine Herat.”

He urged people to follow suggestions and guidelines offered by the MoPH to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Mohammad Rahim Hussianyar, another senator from southern Ghazni province, also expressed his deep concern over government officials’ contradictory stances on fight against COVID-19, saying government officials should put aside their differences but should work jointly for the prevention of the deadly spread.

Mohammad Alam Ezdiyar, deputy chairman of Senate, termed COVID-19 as a serious problem for Afghanistan and stressed cooperation and coordination among people to prevent its spread.

He also urged people to implement MoPH guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A majority of lawmakers voted in favour of the decision to attend the house once a week and work in other days at their commissions.

Meshrano Jirga to meet each Tuesday

On 18^th of this month, the Wolesi Jirga members had also decided to meet once a week with the aim to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Pk/ma

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