Morocco’s COVID-19 Cases Surge as Reproduction Rate Climbs to 1.3

This reproduction rate "is far from the objective of 0.7 set as part of the national plan for monitoring and fighting Covid-19," said the head of the communicable diseases division, Abdelkrim Meziane Bellefquih, who presented the biweekly report on the epidemiological situation of the Ministry of Health, reports the MAP, adding that the increase in positive cases has affected all regions.

Active cases rose to 5,535, compared to 3,732 two weeks earlier (+48.3%), he continued, noting that the health monitoring system has started to record an acceleration in the spread of the virus since mid-June.

Overall, Morocco has recorded 534,797 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic, with an incidence rate of nearly 1,469 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. These indicators place the Kingdom 43rd worldwide and second in Africa.

The positivity rate increased from 3.31% to 4.56%. This upward trend has mainly affected the Casablanca-Settat region (10.44%), compared to 0.74% in Béni Mellal-Khénifra, the lowest rate.

Screening has seen a significant increase, from 58,000 tests per week to 81,000 tests, then to 105,000 tests performed last week. Morocco has carried out more than 6.373 million tests until Monday, July 5.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Health urges Moroccans to show a high sense of responsibility and civic vigilance to move forward in preserving the gains and the smooth implementation of the easing measures.