Herat residents say they are concerned about the increase in the positive cases of the coronavirus in the province, especially as there is only one 150-bed center for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Herat has the highest number of COVID-19 cases, and there has been one death in the province that may have been due to the coronavirus. So far, 21 people in Herat have tested positive, out of a total of 40 confirmed cases in the country.

The Ministry of Public Health has said that the positive cases of the coronavirus in Herat will increase.

Sixteen of those who tested positive for the coronavirus are between 20 and 30 years old. Three others are between 30 and 50 years old, and two remaining cases are over 60 years old.

“The coronavirus is very dangerous for individuals with heart disease, or blood pressure and respiratory problems,” said Mohammad Ibrahim, head of Herat’s regional hospital’s infectious diseases department. “The number of suspected and positive cases of the coronavirus are increasing day by day, especially among the elderly.”

Herat residents called for more attention for the coronavirus outbreak in the province.

“I am concerned as the coronavirus cases increase day by day. People are losing their morale,” said Mohammad Alam, a Herat resident.

“The coronavirus is brought by Afghan refugees who are coming from Iran,” Herat resident Jahid said, “We want more attention paid to Herat by the government.”

The Ministry of Public Health has called for the government to lockdown Herat. But local officials said it is not possible under current circumstances.

Herat governor Abdul Qayum Rahimi stated that at least 15,000 refugees are entering Herat from Iran on a daily basis. “They spread the virus to their provinces,” he added.