Nangarhar province is the eastern part of Afghanistan that shares a border with neighboring Pakistan. Recently, with the return of a large number of Afghans from the Torkham border of Nangarhar to Afghanistan, the number of positive cases of corona in the country has increased, which has raised concerns among the people.
Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, several provinces in the country, including Nangarhar, have been quarantined to prevent the spread of the virus, schools, non-health care Organizations have been shut down, and many staff has been sent home. Sakina, a 16-year-old resident of Nangarhar province, says: “Quarantine was a word I had never heard before. It’s the first time I’ve stayed home to stay healthy.”
“Because of this virus, I can’t go to school, can’t see my friends, live normally, and maintain social relationships,” she said. “This fear has created an abnormal situation not only in my life but in the lives of many others.”
Quarantine and social distancing put Sakina as well as others under stress. She adds: “It’s been a few days since I’ve not seen my friends, classmates, and teachers. I’m bored staying at home like a prisoner and I’m upset that I can’t see my friends, classmates, and teachers. I have never faced such a situation in my life, I feel helpless and lonely. As I was so depressed and had lost all my hopes for my life I decided to see a psychosocial counselor. I learned how to cope better with the stress I felt during quarantine at home, I engage now more with my family and can appreciate my family relationships much more. I am studying books, spend time at home with my family members help to cook and play games with my siblings.”
“The Coronavirus made people aware of the importance of social relations, and has also made people aware of the importance of life and a clean environment, as well as some essential actions to protect the a clean personal and family environment for their health.” Explains Sakina
Millions of people around the world have been quarantined at home due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, this virus does not yet have any vaccine or medicine, the only preventing measure for the moment is to stay home and stay healthy.
“I urge everyone to stay in their homes to avoid the spread of Coronavirus, observe the social distance, use a mask when going out and wash their hands regularly with soap, this is an opportunity for us, we should make good use of it, study and spend time in love with our families.” Concludes Sakina