Former Moroccan Health Minister Warns Against Hasty Lockdown Lifting as COVID-19 Cases Continue

The former Health Minister expressed his concerns on Monday evening on social media, during a discussion with the youth of his party, the Party of Progress and Socialism. Professor Houcine El Ouardi extensively addressed "the issue of the coronavirus pandemic and its evolution", particularly in Morocco. He also discussed the issue related to the lifting of the state of health emergency. According to him, the decision must be carefully considered, since "new infections continue to be reported daily," reports Le360.

The emergency physician believes that even if Morocco has so far only used 3 to 4% of its intensive care capacity, "deconfinement should only take place once the health authorities have ensured that the curve of infections has completely flattened." To do so in any other condition would be "to embark on a risky, even dangerous adventure," warns the former minister.

He points out that even in the event of a flattening of the infection curve, "deconfinement must be gradual and with all due caution, accompanied by the maintenance of hygiene measures, mandatory masks for all and social distancing".

During the exchanges, the former Health Minister was critical of the budget allocated to the health sector. He found "it unacceptable that the health budget in Morocco is equal to that allocated in France to the Marseille University Hospital Center alone".