Afghanistan Times
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KABUL: Social media videos showed an influx of thousands of Afghans on Tuesday morning from Pakistan through Torkham cross point without any medical screening, despite fears of a risk of spiraling spread of the new coronavirus.
Pakistan is now suffering from 4,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 55 deaths and the arrival of thousands from there sounds the alarms for a untamed influx of coronavirus as well.
Overall, 423 people have become infected to the coronavirus diseases in Afghanistan and 11 fatalities. This unchecked and hysteric arrival of thousands has set off a bedlam in the already-suffering country as virus threats are creeping in.
Officials, however, have said that all returnees from Pakistan are being screened for coronavirus symptoms along the Spin Boldak crossing point in Kandahar. A 50-member healthcare team has been tasked to check all passengers returning from Pakistan through Spin Boldak.
Kandahar Governor Spokesman Bahir Ahmadi said earlier Tuesday around 9,200 people – 1,000 passport holders – have repatriated since the cross point between Afghanistan and Pakistan reopened Monday morning.
Only one suspected case was detected on Monday, and then shifted to the Aino Mina hospital for testing and quarantine, he said. Passengers have been allowed in the country after being screened. According to a statement by Kandahar governor, the returnees were advised to comply with precautionary guidance and even self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
