"Within the last 24 hours, two new COVID-19 cases were reported in western Herat province, bordering Iran. The latest cases, both of which were imported cases from Iran, have brought to 26 the total number of the affected people by infection disease, including 15 in Herat," Wahid Mayar, spokesman of the ministry, said in a statement.

All the 26 infections were imported cases from overseas.

A total of 390 COVID-19 suspected cases have been tested in the country's national laboratories since mid February and 30 suspected cases are still under investigation, according to Mayar.

Meanwhile, many Afghan people have decided to cancel celebration of Nowruz or the New Year Day, which falls on Friday, March 20 after the government banned holding gatherings and frequently advised people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary street walks and traveling in the new year holidays.