Marrakech COVID-19 Surge Prompts Call for Private Doctors to Assist in Early Detection

"In order to avoid severe forms as much as possible, I kindly ask you to proceed massively with the early screening of suspected cases in your medical offices by integrating the use of rapid antigen tests in your daily practice," wrote Tarik Hanich, President of the Regional Council of the National Order of Physicians of Marrakech-Safi, in a letter sent to private doctors on Friday.

In this correspondence, the president reminded private doctors that COVID-19 infection is a notifiable infectious disease, and that positive and negative cases tested must be reported daily according to a predetermined scheme, adding that "all infected patients must start their treatment and benefit from rigorous follow-up according to the recently updated national protocol."

The worrying evolution of the epidemiological situation in Marrakech, marked by a resurgence of infections, particularly severe cases requiring intensive care and hospitalization in intensive care, has led the authorities to impose strict controls at the entrance and exit of the city.

It should be noted that for Friday, August 7, 1,228 cases were recorded in the Marrakech-Settat region, with 790 just for the ochre city. The health authorities also reported 11 deaths.