“The positivity rate, which was -1% six weeks ago, is currently at 25%. The reproduction rate is increasing as well as the number of deaths which has gone from 1 death every 3 to 4 days to 2 to 3 deaths per day,” Doctor Himdi told MAP.
“The occupation rate of reanimation services was 0.2 to 0.3%. Today it exceeds 2%,” the researcher warned.
In his opinion, this increase is due to a slackening in the respect of barrier measures, both in Morocco and worldwide. That this situation has led to a decline in immunity, Himdi explained.
“The Moroccan population has a hybrid immunity: 2 out of 3 Moroccans have received at least 2 doses, while one out of five received the third dose, ” the researcher noted. “Hybrid immunity “protects us against severe forms” but over time it records a decline, he added.
For weeks already, Morocco has been facing the BA.5 sub-variant which is replacing the BA.2, a much more transmissible variety as it has triggered large waves of infection.
“This sub-variant presents the same symptoms as the delta variant, in addition to diarrhea, nausea, dizziness and vomiting,” he said.
The BA.5 sub-variant is also more contagious and appears to escape immunity responses acquired either by the vaccine or by contamination.
However, Himdi explained, the virulence remains unchanged until now.
“In Morocco, we will reach the first peak in the coming days. This wave would have two peaks: the first peak would be reached in the next 5-6 days, and would be carried mainly by the BA.2 sub-variant and supported by the BA.5 sub-variant”, the researcher observed.
“The situation will stabilize but a few days after Eid Al-Adha, we will have a rebound driven by the activities of the holiday, travel and family reunions, In the coming weeks, the variant BA.5 will be dominant, and therefore the second peak will be more significant, “Hamdi explained.
According to the researcher, the BA.5 sub-variant, as seen in other countries, it is not very worrying for the health system, except for vulnerable people (over 60 years) or people with chronic illness or who are not well protected.
“It is enough to respect the measures already in place such as vaccination, mask-wearing, barrier gestures, and avoid large gatherings,” he stressed.
The 3rd dose (booster dose) is very important as two doses are not enough to avoid intensive care or even death for “very” vulnerable people (80 years and older or people who have received a transplant or who are on kidney dialysis).
Stressing the importance of wearing a mask for all people to protect themselves, Hamdi pointed out that the first days of August will be marked by a decline in cases from this wave.
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse