Health officials in the northern province of Balkh on Sunday warned the people against violating the lockdown rules amid a surge in the positive cases of COVID-19 in the province.

Up to 504 cases of COVID-19 have been registered in Balkh so far and, from available figures, 23 patients have lost their lives and eighteen others have recovered.
“Unfortunately the numbers are increasing, and the fatalities from the virus are on the rise,” said Nizamuddin Jalil, the head of Balkh's health department.
According to Balkh health officials, over the past 24 hours, 11 out of 54 samples tested positive in the province, with four of cases being women.
This comes as many residents in Balkh go out on the streets and flock to bazaars without adhering to the health guidelines.
“We spent 50 to 60 days at home, but we get nothing, we received no bread, flour, or any aid. We live in a rented house and I have 9 people in my family,” said Amir, a resident in Herat.
“Illness is something that is sent by God. Coronavirus is an excuse The government received a huge amount of money and it  went into pockets. COVID-19 is nothing, God created us and will save us,” said Sultan Mohammad, a resident in Balkh.0