Morocco Considers Gradual Easing of COVID-19 Lockdown Despite Scientific Concerns

The Head of Government, Saâdeddine El Othmani is due to present to parliament on Monday the plan for managing the epidemiological crisis after the first lockdown period, which ends on May 20. The trend is towards the announcement of a gradual lifting of the lockdown by Saâd-Eddine El Othmani, with a relaxation of restrictions on certain professions, reports the daily Al Massae. A decision justified by the satisfactory results of the first lockdown period, with an increase in the number of recoveries and a decrease in the number of deaths. However, the limitation of citizens’ movements will be maintained at the level of cities and villages. The health situation in the kingdom is not back to normal if certain socio-economic factors must be taken into account.

Moroccan epidemiology experts are reluctant about lifting the lockdown in the current situation, indicates Al Massae. The number of cases of contamination continues to increase in family and professional circles, and the virus reproduction index (RO) has not seen a significant decrease, to conclude a low risk of contagion, the daily said. According to sources close to the decision-making centers, the scientists of the Ministry of Health have clearly expressed their refusal to lift the lockdown, even gradually.