The Ministry of Public Health said Saturday that 27 new cases of COVID-19 have been registered in Afghanistan.

Wahidullah Mayar, the ministry’s spokesman said that the cases were recorded in the following order: Kabul 12, Paktia 7, Logar 4, Herat 2, Bamyan 1, Daikundi 1 during the past 24 hours.

It brings the total affected people to 933 in the country.

Mayar added that 13 patients were fully recovered and discharged from the hospital during the past 24 hours, bringing the total recoveries to 112.

Health Minister Firozuddin Firoz said, “The number of positive COVID-19 cases are increasing day by day, and everyone should try to stop the outbreak.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs said Saturday that the government would impose restrictions on prayers as Kabul’s lockdown has been extended for another three weeks.

َAminuddin Muzafari, deputy minister of MOHRA, told Ariana News, “If the outbreak of the Coronavirus still continues, the Tarawih prayers, during the month of Ramadan, will have to be practiced at home.”

He added that the mosques will remain open though and the Azaan – call to prayer – will be pronounced.

It is reported that the Darulaman Palace has been designated by the health ministry to keep patients with weaker symptoms and/or those who don’t have healthcare facilities at home.

The Ministry of Public Health also said that the fund which the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank has promised has not yet been given to the international organizations; once they get it, it will then be provided to the MOHA.