At least 17 members of Afghan grand assembly test positive for coronavirus

KABUL (REUTERS): At least 17 participants of a major Afghan grand assembly have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials informed today (Saturday).

The development came a day after the gathering began to decide the fate of Taliban prisoners, a move that would likely quickly clear the path for peace talks. Over 3,600 members, including Afghan elders, community leaders and politicians, gathered to debate whether the government should release 400 hard-core Taliban prisoners.

Afghanistan’s Health Ministry spokesperson, Saeed Jamali, said, “Samples from all 3,620 participants were taken by our health team, and among them, a result of 17 were tested positive.”

“Some participants were tested twice while 17 who tested positive for the deadly virus have been sent to the hospital quarantine and treatment,” the spokesperson added. However, it was not immediately clear if the testing was done before or after the assembly began.

Afghanistan has officially reported more than 37,000 coronavirus cases and 1,307 COVID-19 deaths. Last week, Afghan Health officials informed that at least 10 million people may have been infected.

The Loya Jirga, ending on Sunday, is to give non-binding advice to the government. The newly-appointed head of the Loya Jirga Abdullah Abdullah said that the outcome was life or death for Afghanistan and that its final advice would be announced on Sunday.