COVID-19 on rise, as Moroccans become lenient with restrictions

Morocco is recording its highest number of new infections since February, with the virus at 2% of its peak, and steadily increasing.

Scientific Committee member, Doctor Moulay Said Afif told Hespress EN that the rise in cases comes as most people dropped mask-wearing, in addition to mass gatherings in both indoor and outdoor places.

The Scientific Committee member gave the example of gatherings in stadiums and parties, at times exceeding 40.000 people.

“Schools are also reporting cases among students aged under 12, due to their non-vaccination,” Afif added, noting that 12 out of 25 students tested positive for COVID in a classroom.

The total number of unvaccinated people with the booster shot for those aged between 60 and 74 reached 1.5 million, while a total of 300.000 people aged over 75 didn’t receive the third shot.

“Those people are the most at risk to face severe symptoms of the virus, especially if they are dealing with chronic diseases,” he added.

“The number of deaths is still low just because there are only 18 people in reanimation units,” he specified, adding the reanimation admission rate does not exceed 0.5%, and out of a total of 100 PCR tests, only 4 positive cases can be identified.

“Previously, during Omicron’s peak, among 100 PCR tests, 25 positive cases were detected,” he explained.

The Doctor called on people to receive their vaccination shots, and particularly booster shots.

“The current stock of vaccines, including Sinopharm and Pfizer, are both unexpired,” he said, noting that their validity lasts for 2 years.

Afif also urged people to avoid gatherings, especially with the approaching of Eid Al Adha in order to contain the spread of the virus.