Morocco Braces for Potential Second Wave as COVID-19 Cases Surge in Europe

With the advent of winter, Moroccans fear the worst, just like in Europe: a second wave of the coronavirus that could force the authorities to consider, as in the past, measures modeled on the European model and reminiscent of the harsh moments of confinement. In France, the top has already been given with the establishment by Emmanuel Macron, of a new stricter confinement, starting from Thursday, October 29, 2020 at midnight, for a minimum duration of 4 weeks. Meanwhile, in Germany, Angela Merkel has chosen in her confinement system, to close public spaces, cafes and bars, notes Hespress.

Already, faced with these provisions in Europe, anxiety is mounting among Moroccans, especially those working in vital sectors, most of which are linked to the daily and informal work system. The fear is all the greater especially in the face of the ever-increasing number of cases of contamination. Worse, the dependence of certain European countries on Morocco makes fear the difficult situation experienced last spring. Indeed, the authorities experienced enormous difficulties during the previous confinement phase, which generated enormous economic damage on the financial income of the kingdom.

According to Prof. Moulay Mustapha Ennaji, virologist and director of the virology laboratory at the University of Hassan II in Casablanca, "Morocco was economically affected by the confinement policy during the first phase, hence the deterioration of conditions in the agriculture, tourism and trade sectors". However, the virologist predicts "a significant increase in the number of patients from next month". According to him, "a return to quarantine is always possible, but the final decision rests with the health authorities at the central and regional levels". However, "everyone must commit to avoiding the disaster," he insists.

Moreover, the lack of beds and medical teams for new patients in hospitals make the virologist professor envisage a "very possible return to confinement". For Moulay Mustapha Ennaji, the return of students to universities is to be feared. "Many countries have adopted university distance education to avoid getting into the maze of corridors leading nowhere," he observes. And to add that in reality, "the crisis mainly depends on a successful approach. The less human movement and mobility, the lower the chances of virus spread".