Morocco Expands COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Amid Rising Cases

According to informed medical sources, the time between the identification of a contact case or a suspected case and the start of treatment varies on average between 7 and 9 days. In circular 64 DHSA of August 13, 2020 addressed to the regional directors of Health, the minister calls on primary health care facilities (ESSP) to carry out rapid serological tests (blood sampling, rapid result between 15 and 30 minutes) for the at-risk population and suspected cases referred by private sector physicians (and in principle, occupational physicians), pharmacists and those detected at the health center level.

Henceforth, patients with positive IGM (presence of antibodies indicating a recent coronavirus infection) will be directed to hospital facilities (specialized outpatient consultation centers for a PCR test and additional tests according to the national care protocol). Eligible persons for home care will be confined at home pending the PCR test result.

If the PCR result is negative, the health center will contact the patient, inform him and recommend that he remain self-confined while respecting barrier gestures, the note specifies. If the PCR is positive, the health center team will travel to the patient’s home to deliver the treatment to the asymptomatic eligible patient and provide follow-up. As for symptomatic and/or at-risk persons with positive PCR, they will be hospitalized.

Mr. Taleb also calls on the regional health directorates to ensure the availability of serological tests and Covid-19 therapeutic protocol drugs at the ESSP level.