People wear masks to help guard against the Coronavirus as they ride an escalator at a the metro station, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 3:18 PM PT — Monday, February 24, 2020
The coronavirus outbreak has reached Afghanistan, which has sparked a concern among the nation’s health officials.
The Afghan government confirmed the first case of the virus in the country on Monday. They also reported at least five others were put into quarantine after traveling abroad.
Afghanistan’s first coronavirus patient was identified in the province of Herat at the Iranian border. Officials said the infected person recently traveled to Iran, which has already been affected by the virus.
Afghanistan Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz speaks with media during a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. (AP Photo)
Herat has been put under a state of emergency. Officials warned that terror activity and instability could help spread the virus.
“In accordance with International Health standards and national security considerations, with the consultation of National Security Council we announce a state of emergency in the province of Herat until further notice,” stated Ferozuddin Feroz, Health Minister of Afghanistan. “We request all residents of Herat and the rest of the country to avoid unnecessary trips to and from the province.”
The Afghan government also closed its border with Iran to prevent further transmission of the virus.
