Lockdown not heeded in Kabul as cases rise

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: Movement outside of homes by residents has increased in the city of Kabul this week despite warnings from the government to stay in and take the lockdown seriously.

The police presence has decreased in many parts of the city over the last few days. Originally, police were deployed to restrict the movements of the people and prevent crowds from forming, but police have not been seen lately, especially in areas where the government has started distributing bread for vulnerable families and where crowding threatens to increase the spread of the virus.

“Poverty is a big problem and people have no option but to go out and find some bread,” said Mohammad Samim, a Kabul resident.

“When you ask people why they are out of the home, they say that they have to go out and earn money to afford the needs of their families,” said Samir Ahmad, a Kabul resident.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Public Health reported 232 new positive cases in the last 24 hours – the highest number of cases reported in a day.

Some Kabul residents called on the government to help poor families.

“I call on the government to help the vulnerable families,” said Rozina, a Kabul resident.

“I am a widow and have just passed a surgery and I am helpless,” said Farida, a Kabul resident.

On Wednesday, health officials said the coronavirus infections in Afghanistan will peak “within the next few weeks.” (TOLOnews)