Skip to main content
Latest news
Thumbnail

Mazar-e-Sharif Lockdown Extended for 10 Days

Lockdown in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in the north of Afghanistan was extended for another 10 days as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus but crowds and movements remain in the city.

So far, 169 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the province, according to the provincial Public Health Directorate.

“There are concerns about the peak of the virus in Balkh; therefore, the city’s lockdown was extended for another 10 days.

According to officials, at least Afs50 million (over $657,000) has been allocated to Balkh, and part of it will be given to vulnerable families.

The officials said that at least 15,000 families have been assisted so far but some families claimed that they have not been helped.

“We are asked to give money in order to be added to the list of those who are assisted. We should not be handed to the mafia,” said Sayed Najim, a Balkh resident.

“There are eight members in the family. My husband is sick. My 12-year-old son who worked is now at home due to the lockdown,” said Maryam, a Balkh resident.

Recently Uzbekistan sent an aid package to Afghanistan including 300 tons (metric) of flour, 150 tons of rice, 50 tons of ghee, 50 tons of sugar and some medical facilities. The aid has arrived in Balkh but some provincial council members criticized the government for the delay in its distribution.

“Despite repeated proposals, the central government has yet to allow its distribution,” said Afzal Hadid, head of Balkh provincial council.

Mazar-e-Sharif Lockdown Extended for 10 Days

So far, 169 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Balkh province, officials said.

Thumbnail

Lockdown in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in the north of Afghanistan was extended for another 10 days as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus but crowds and movements remain in the city.

So far, 169 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the province, according to the provincial Public Health Directorate.

“There are concerns about the peak of the virus in Balkh; therefore, the city’s lockdown was extended for another 10 days.

According to officials, at least Afs50 million (over $657,000) has been allocated to Balkh, and part of it will be given to vulnerable families.

The officials said that at least 15,000 families have been assisted so far but some families claimed that they have not been helped.

“We are asked to give money in order to be added to the list of those who are assisted. We should not be handed to the mafia,” said Sayed Najim, a Balkh resident.

“There are eight members in the family. My husband is sick. My 12-year-old son who worked is now at home due to the lockdown,” said Maryam, a Balkh resident.

Recently Uzbekistan sent an aid package to Afghanistan including 300 tons (metric) of flour, 150 tons of rice, 50 tons of ghee, 50 tons of sugar and some medical facilities. The aid has arrived in Balkh but some provincial council members criticized the government for the delay in its distribution.

“Despite repeated proposals, the central government has yet to allow its distribution,” said Afzal Hadid, head of Balkh provincial council.

Share this post