The number of COVID-19 related deaths has dropped by 18.2% over the past two weeks (June 8/21), the ministry of Health said Tuesday in its bimonthly report on the epidemiological situation in Morocco, noting a “stabilization of indicators”. According to the report, read out by the head of the communicable diseases division, Abdelkrim Meziane Bellefquih, the infection rate has increased significantly (+ 12.05%), while the positivity rate has registered a slight decrease from 3.87% to 3.31%.

The number of active cases has reached 3,732, against 3,165 two weeks previously (+ 18%), Bellefquih said, adding that the number of critical cases admitted into intensive care units has remained stable. The number of intubated patients dropped by 50% during the same period, the official pointed out.

The epidemiological situation remains under control, he said, calling for more vigilance in order to avoid any resurgence of the spread of the virus. The official also mentioned the continuation, for the 21st week, of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign, ensuring that the quantities of the Sinopharm vaccine received last weekend will give “a strong impetus” to this operation.

The return of Moroccans living abroad during the summer holidays will lead to a social dynamic which could be accompanied by a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, he warned. According to the same source, this situation represents “a major challenge”, hence the need to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign and the imperative of strict compliance with preventive measures.