Morocco Urges Caution as Omicron Variant Drives Covid-19 Surge, Pushes for Third Vaccine Dose

In an interview, the minister expressed his concern about the Omicron threat, which is, according to him, five times more contagious than Delta, but less virulent. This anxiety stems from the lack of reliable information on the new variant, which prevents projecting a response.

For now, there are no reliable data on the peak date in Morocco. Consequently, the authority has recommended maintaining the barrier measures (wearing masks, distancing...), adhering to the vaccination campaign and limiting gatherings as much as possible to avoid clusters, he said.

"Today, we know that Omicron is spreading rapidly. And when the virus spreads rapidly, the number of infected people will multiply, and in case of rapid reproduction, the health system will be threatened. The larger the infection area, the more people at risk among the infected, and the greater the risk of complications and death, which requires more caution and great vigilance," explained the minister.

Regarding the controversy over the administration of the 3rd Covid vaccine dose, Ait Taleb explained that the third dose is a booster dose, noting that "most of the patients currently in intensive care have exceeded the 6-month mark since their 2nd vaccine dose. This means they are no longer protected and are in danger."

"It has been scientifically proven that the protection conferred by the first and second doses begins to decrease after three months. This means that a third dose is necessary to strengthen immunity, and it has been confirmed that this dose restores 75% of immunity against the virus. If we recover these 75% of immunity, we will be able to protect ourselves from the Omicron variant. Because it is also about strengthening the immunity of the cells and not just the antibodies since the cells also have a memory," detailed the minister.