The third wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading fast in Afghanistan with the numbers increasing significantly, according to the latest data published by the Health Ministry on Thursday.
More than 1,500 new infections were registered in the country on June 2, the report said.
The situation was likely to get even worse, as local media reported that hospitals lack beds for patients and not enough oxygen was available.
In the meantime, Panjshir, a favourite tourist spot for local and international tourists, has shut its gates to tourists following a sharp increase of the number of COVID-19 infections in the north-eastern province.
A spokesman for the provincial governor, Rizwanullah Rahyab, told dpa that for now, the province would remain closed for at least two weeks, but if the Afghan Health Ministry extended a two-week lockdown of educational institutions, the extension would be applicable in the province as well.
The U.S. embassy in Kabul also issued a health alert for Afghanistan on Thursday.
According to the alert, U.S. citizens have reported being denied admittance to hospitals due to lack of space.
Since the outbreak, over 76,000 people have been infected with the virus in Afghanistan.
At least 3,050 deaths have also been recorded; however, it’s widely believed that the exact number is even higher. (dpa/NAN)
