Moroccans must comply with the measures set up to counter coronavirus, Health Minister says

Interviewed by Moroccan and Arabic free-to-air News channel Medi1 TV Afrique on Saturday, Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb addressed the coronavirus situation in Morocco, starting with the two confirmed cases recorded earlier this month.

Ait Taleb said that the first confirmed case, a 39 year-old Moroccan who visited Italy in February, is progressing positively. He indicated that blood samples will soon have a say on his complete recovery. As for the second patient, a 89-year-old woman who returned from Italy in February, Ait Taleb added that she is still in an in intensive care unit. She still suffers from breathing difficulties, added the Minister.

«As for the international situation, we must expect everything», warned the minister, referring to the developments that Morocco might experience in the future». «The virus has increasingly spread in Europe, especially in certain countries, and we are monitoring this situation today», he explained, referring to the effectiveness of certain measures implemented in different countries, notably in China.

Avoiding skyrocketing prices

During the same interview, Khalid Ait Taleb stressed the need of «complying with international health regulations». He thus cited the control measures undertaken by the government, as well as the creation of the technical steering committee dedicated to monitoring the situation of coronavirus, under the supervision of the Royal Gendarmerie, Civil Protection and the ministries of Interior and Health.

The Minister also referred to medical masks and hydroalcoholic gels, warning against increasing prices. «There will also be requisitions so that there is no export of Moroccan goods, because it is necessary to preserve the Moroccan stock, and possibly increase production to avoid shortages», he added.

Khalid Ait Taleb said he regrets the spread of false information about the coronavirus, particularly through the Internet and social media. He then called on citizens to comply with hygiene rules and preventive measures recommended by the public authorities : get away from large gatherings, consult a doctor as soon as flu symptoms appear, contact the toll-free number 0801004747, and prioritize self-monitoring…