Afghanistan facing second wave of Coronavirus: Osmani

Ahmad Javad Osmani, acting Minister of Public Health, on Wednesday warned that the country is facing its second wave in the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the number of positive tests showed a definite increase in COVID-19 cases.

Osmani, assured the public that measures were being taken by the Ministry of Public Health to control a second wave.

“The plan that has been developed to prevent the second wave of the coronavirus in cooperation with relevant institutions is currently being implemented in 34 provinces,” Osmani said.
He also said that emergency committees have been reactivated and are working to fight the pandemic.
Osmani said that according to a Cabinet decision, wedding halls will be closed and only reopened in mid-December.

Wedding halls have been hotspots in the spread of the virus where hundreds of people gather to celebrate nuptials.

Osmani also called on everyone in the country to follow health guidelines, to wear face masks, avoid crowded places and wash their hands regularly.

He also said he was concerned about the caseloads in neighboring countries and urged Afghans not to travel to Iran and Pakistan unnecessarily.

Osmani recommended the public build up their immune systems and get enough vitamin D and vitamin C – especially with the onset of winter.

His announcement followed the daily update by the Ministry of Public Health on new COVID-19 cases.

On Wednesday, the ministry said 243 new cases had been reported in the past 24 hours, along with seven deaths and 135 recoveries.

The total number is now 43,924 cases; 1,645 deaths and 35,295 recoveries across the country.