New COVID-19 infections in Morocco have begun to rise again, following the relaxation of state-mandated precautionary measures and the return of mass gatherings.
The recent spike in cases led the country to move from the green to the orange level, after rises in cases were reported across major cities.
Medical researcher on health policies Tayeb Himdi, told Hespress EN that “on the medical and epidemiological plan, the country would not need to implement new restrictions, as it experiences the end of Omicron’s BA.2 wave.”
Himdi explained that the country cannot shut down borders because a vulnerable minority refuses to receive their booster shot, saying that currently, “it is becoming a personal responsibility matter.”
“Cases will continue to increase due to the lack of restrictions, as the government allowed free movement for all and gatherings for various activities,” he added.
The Medical researcher said that the Omicron’s BA.5 variant is currently dominating new infections nationwide.
“This new wave will last from 6 to 8 weeks,” Himdi added, expecting cases to continue to rise, while deaths will most likely not witness an increase.
“The immunity system will decrease, as antibodies of COVID-19 shots will drop over time,” said the specialist, adding that “the shots still protect from severe symptoms and death cases,” calling on people aged over 60 as well as those with underlying health conditions to receive their booster shots to prevent infection.
Additionally, the medical researcher explained to Hespress EN that the case of Morocco, in comparison with South Africa, and Portugal, which also experience BA.5, is relatively stable.
“South Africa has a 30% vaccination rate, has already experienced BA.5 wave ahead of Morocco, leading cases to spike, while deaths didn’t witness a high rise,” he stated, adding that, “the country is nearing the end of the fifth wave.”
“Regarding Portugal, a total rate of 80% of the population received two shots, and 60% had the third booster shot, which helped the country overcome death and severe symptoms cases,” Himdi further stated.
“Morocco came in between both countries’ cases, as 66% of citizens received the initial two anti-COVID-19 shots and 17% received the booster shot, which explains that there will be no need to implement new restrictions,” Himdi concluded.
The country is reporting 472 new infections on average each day, representing 5% of the peak, according to Reuters’ latest COVID Tracker released on Thursday.
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