MAZAR-I-SHARIF - Public Health Department Director Gul Ahmad Ayoubi has expressed concern over the lack of oxygen in northern Balkh province amid growing number of positive coronavirus cases.
Taking to Pajhwok Afghan News, Ayoubi said the issue had been discussed with private sector which had assured sufficient oxygen supply.
“Right now we need at least 400 oxygen cylinders but the contracting company has the stock of 200 cylinders. We talked to their officials and we hope that they would soon ensure adequate supply of oxygen,” he said.
He said in Balkh the positivity rate of coronavirus was two times higher during the third wave comparing to what it was during the first two waves.
Ayoubi added five people died from coronavirus in Balkh hospitals in the past 24 hours.
“Unfortunately, during the third wave of coronavirus the positivity rate of coronavirus is 67 percent in Balkh which is alarming. In our controlled areas 67 people test positive for Covid-19 in every 100 tests,” he said.
Ayoubi asked people to follow health guidelines and stay at home as much as possible.
“If people don’t cooperate and violate health measures, the existing situation would become catastrophic. I hope that people will listen and implement health guidelines by keeping social distance, washing their hands frequently and wearing masks,” he added.
In Balkh province, 4,150 people contracted coronavirus and among them 203 have died. (Pajhwok)