Covid-19 cases on rise in Afghanistan: Dr. Usmani

KABUL Minister Dr. Jawad Usmani on Monday said coronavirus cases have increased compared to previous weeks across the country.

Dr. Usmani, who was addressing a press conference here, expressed his deep concern over the increase in Covid-19 cases, saying: “The Covid-19 situation in Afghanistan has been more satisfactory than in neighboring countries and fear should not be created among people, as fear itself weakens the body’s immune system.”

Dr. Usmani stressed on the need for wearing face masks and urged people to follow MoPH guidelines in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Afghanistan.

The acting minister, who is a presidential nominee for the Ministry of Public Health, assured that MoPH had taken measures at health centers to prevent the second wave of coronavirus, saying treatment centers had been created and hospitals equipped with facilities.

He also expressed his concern over the increase in Covid-19 cases in neighboring Iran and Pakistan and urged people to avoid unnecessary traveling to these countries.

He said they were seriously monitoring of private laboratories and in case of violation, they will face legal action.

The Ministry of Public Health  (MoPH) on Monday said 132 new positive Covid-19 cases surfaced in Afghanistan during the last 24 hours, pushing up the country’s overall tally to 41,633.

Also on Monday, the MoPH said 453 people underwent tests in various laboratories across the country during the past 24 hours, with 132 testing positive for the infection.

pk/ma