Approximately 19,141 suspected cases have tested negative for the coronavirus since Morocco began testing in February.
Rabat – The Ministry of Health has confirmed 124 more COVID-19 cases, bringing Morocco’s total number of infections to 3,692 as of 10 a.m. on Friday, April 24.
In its update, the ministry also confirmed 22 recoveries between 6 p.m. on April 23 and 10 a.m. today, bringing the total number of people who are free from the virus after recovery to 478.
The country did not report any new fatalities in the morning update. but it remains to be seen if health officials will announce new deaths during the 6 p.m. update on the epidemiological situation.
The country’s death toll reached 155 as of yesterday at 6 p.m.
At the regional level, Morocco’s Casablanca-Settat region remains at the top of the list with a slow but continuous rise of infections.
The region now has 949 infections, followed by the Marrakech-Safi region (780), Fez-Meknes (494), and Tangier Tetouan Al Hoceima (492).
The Draa-Tafilalet region has seen a dramatic increase in confirmed cases (369), surpassing the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region, where the spread of infection has slowed (293).
The Oriental region has 175 cases, followed by Beni Mellal-Khenifra region (78), and Souss Massa (50).
The southern regions of Morocco, Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab, Laayoune-Sakia-El Hamra and Guelmim-Oued Noun remain the areas reporting the lowest numbers.
The Moroccan government has expressed certainty that the state of emergency is an effective way to at least prevent the virus from spreading farther.
The country decided to extend the lockdown, which began March 20, for one more month until May 20.
The extension will affect the atmosphere of Ramadan 2020 in Morocco as in a score of other states.
Moroccans will have to stay at home for most of Ramadan unless they have an exceptional movement permit that will allow them to go to work or to get groceries.
Moroccans will also have to perform the special Taraweeh prayers (extra evening prayers) at home instead of in mosques to avoid spreading the virus.
Morocco closed all mosques and other public spaces like cafes and restaurants in mid-March.
If Morocco decides not to extend the lockdown after May 20, the country will lift its measures gradually depending on the development of the virus and the region.
