Coronavirus infections in Afghanistan will peak “within next few weeks,” health officials said on Wednesday as they reported 120 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours.
The number of total cases reached 1,949 on Wednesday as health officials said they predicted the situation will grow more challenging. Some MOBY Group employees are among those who tested positive for the coronavirus.
The number of coronavirus deaths reached 60 on Wednesday while 252 people have recovered so far, according to the ministry.
“The positive cases are increasing day by day and we have critical weeks ahead,” said Public Health Ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar.
The warning comes as people are seen moving freely again within the country’s cities, including Kabul, and failing to take the limitations seriously.
The Ministry of Public Health said its new priority is addressing the needs of health workers, according to officials.
“They (health workers) are the frontline soldiers of the fight against the coronavirus and they need support,” said Nasrin Oryakhel, head of the medical council of Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, some health workers at an isolation center in Surobi district in Kabul said they have not been paid for the past few months and they are not provided good food.
“We are given one plate of beans for dinner and a plate in the early morning,” said Samiullah, a doctor in the center, referring to the two meal times allotted during Ramadan.
“For one month we have been working and they are not paying us. This is an injustice to doctors and other health workers,” said Awrangzeb, a nurse in the center
Relatives of some patients at the center also complained about lack of care for patients.
“The distance between the patients is close. This does not look like an isolation center for coronavirus patients,” said Jamil, relative of a patient.
But the Public Health Ministry spokesman said: “We are serious and we will provide services to the honorable residents of Surobi district.”
