This is probably the first step taken by the Indian government to relocate its diplomatic staff due to Covid-19-related concerns. India has four consulates in Afghanistan at Herat, Jalalabad, Kandahar and Mazar-e-Sharif. According to the World Health Organization, Iran has so far recorded 32,332 infections and 2,378 deaths while Afghanistan has reported 106 infections and two deaths. The Afghan health ministry has estimated that half of the country’s estimated 34 million people will contract the virus and more than 110,000 could probably die. Experts believe the worst-affected areas will include cities such as Herat and regions along the 921-km border with Iran.

Source: Hindustan Times March 29, 2020 19:11 UTC