A basic view of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2013. The embassy is facing a coronavirus break out, according to the State Department.
Ahmad Nazar/AP
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Ahmad Nazar/AP
A basic view of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2013. The embassy is dealing with a coronavirus break out, according to the State Department.
Ahmad Nazar/AP
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul states it is suffering from a major COVID-19 outbreak that has largely confined personnel to their quarters and is interrupting many of its operations. Earlier this week, the embassy revealed that it was suspending in-person visa interviews for Afghans who had actually worked for the U.S. armed force. The State Department does not divulge how numerous people are at the embassy, but it is one of the U.S. largest. The State Department and the embassy in Kabul did include some staff in recent months to handle a surge in visa applications for Afghan interpreters who worked with the U.S. Attempting to reassure Congress, he added that while the armed force was leaving, the embassy would continue with its job and was focused on getting those who assisted the U.S. out: “Were not withdrawing.
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul states it is struggling with a significant COVID-19 outbreak that has actually mainly restricted personnel to their quarters and is interfering with much of its operations. Earlier today, the embassy revealed that it was suspending in-person visa interviews for Afghans who had worked for the U.S. armed force. In a note sent out to personnel, seen by NPR, the embassy states 114 individuals “have COVID and are in isolation; one has died, and numerous have actually been medevaced.” The note goes on to say that military hospital ICU resources are at full capacity which the embassy has been required to “develop short-term, on-compound COVID-19 wards to look after oxygen-dependent clients.” Many of the cases involve people who are unvaccinated or not completely immunized. The embassy demands staff to get immunized, stay 6 feet from others, suspends making use of fitness centers and pools, and demands stringent mask compliance from personnel. “Wear your masks, properly! We are seeing a lot of noses.” Failure to comply might see personnel on the next flight home. The embassy inquires to ensure others are following procedures and to report those who arent.
The State Department does not reveal how many people are at the embassy, but it is one of the U.S. largest. The State Department and the embassy in Kabul did include some staff in current months to handle a rise in visa applications for Afghan interpreters who worked with the U.S. Attempting to reassure Congress, he included that while the military was leaving, the embassy would continue with its job and was focused on getting those who helped the U.S. out: “Were not withdrawing.
