Morocco is ready to face the variant Omicron in case of epidemic setback, assured, Khalid Ait Taleb, Minister of Health and Social Protection, said on Monday.
The health system has learned the lessons of the pandemic and is now able to adapt to the management of the epidemiological situation, said Ait Taleb in response to a question on Morocco's proactive measures against Omicron, presented by the parliamentary group Authenticity and Modernity, during a session devoted to oral questions in the House of Representatives.
In case of epidemic setback, the health system is prepared to face the new variant, whether in terms of hospital capacity, resuscitation, or equipment needed, he said, recalling that the new variant, known for its rapid spread and low mortality, is less dangerous than the classic virus and its Alpha and Delta variants.
However, the Minister noted that there is "some ambiguity around the new variant because we do not know its effects in the medium term."
According to Ait Taleb, the Kingdom can limit the number of cases of the new variant, which is five times more contagious than "Delta", through compliance with preventive measures and the acceleration of the administration of the third booster shot, which strengthens immunity against Omicron to 75%.
The Minister also stressed the need to maintain a high level of surveillance and vigilance, and closely monitor the epidemiological situation in Europe and the rest of the world, stressing that Morocco is not immune to a new setback, especially after the emergence of a fifth wave in Europe.
