Morocco Declares End of Second Omicron Wave as COVID-19 Cases Decline

In his presentation of the biweekly report on the epidemiological situation (July 5 to August 8, 2022), Mouad Mrabet, coordinator of the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, indicated that Morocco has experienced a fourth wave of Covid-19 that lasted 11 weeks and reached its peak between June 20 and July 3.

The second Omicron wave is over. However, vigilance must be maintained, as "the spread of the virus will continue at a low level with the possibility of the appearance of a possible wave, but not imminent," warned the official. In the same context, it was noted that the last two weeks have been marked by a gradual decrease in the circulation of the virus. Mrabet further specifies that the positivity rate of the analyzes has dropped from 22.6% during the peak week to 3.2% last week, with a reproduction index of 0.83.

Regarding the number of serious or critical cases in intensive care, it has decreased by 76% to 999 cases during this fourth wave, compared to 4,201 cases admitted during the same period during the first Omicron wave. According to Mouad Mrabet, this result is explained by the fact that citizens are acquiring natural and vaccine immunity. As for the number of deaths recorded during this second Omicron wave, it has decreased by 85%, from 1,182 to 182 cases.

As usual, the official ended his presentation with an appeal to all citizens aged over 60 and those aged 18 and over with chronic diseases, to receive the booster dose, six months after receiving the third dose. He also urged people with respiratory symptoms to wear a mask and stop any professional or social activity, while going to health facilities to receive appropriate treatment.