Covid-19 cases on the rise in Kunduz, says doctor

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Over 700 positive Covid-19 cases have been registered in northern Kunduz province over the past one month. Most of the infected individuals violated health guidelines, an official said on Sunday.

Dr. Muhammad Shafiq Sadeq, head of the provincial Covid-19 Hospital, told Pajhwok Afghan News 727 individuals were diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past one month.

He acknowledged: “There has been an unprecedented surge in the number of Covid-19 patients in the past one month. Of 2,599 samples, 727 tested positive. In the previous month, of 1,131 samples collected, 140 had been found positive.”

According to Dr. Sadeq, over 60 patients are currently hospitalised at the Covid-19 Hospital, which has capacity for 30 patients only.

He warned in case of continued violations of health guidelines, controlling the spread of Covid-19 would be difficult.

Using masks, staying from gatherings, frequently washing hands, ensuring social distancing and compliance with health measures introduced by the World Health Organisation are necessary for protection from the virus, he added.

A Covid-19 patient, Tahir Khan, said: “We met friends and not comply with advice from physicians. We did not wear masks. At the initial stage, my condition was not stable. But now I have improved. I was not administered any vaccine,” he said.

He asked the people of Kunduz to adhere to the health guidelines and ensure Covid-19 vaccination.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, 22,000 people have been infected in Kunduz province. Of them, 222 people have died.

hz/nh/mud