Covid-19 : The Ministry of Health confirms the circulation of the British variant in 7 Moroccan regions

The SARS-CoV2 (Covid-19) genomic watch body set up by the Ministry of Health has confirmed the detection of the British Covid-19 variant and its spread in 7 regions of the kingdom. 

In a press release, the body explained that no other dangerous variant has been found in Morocco so far. The ministry announced that alongside mutation of variants, new mutations are regularly detected but without having a clinical nor an epidemiological impact.

The same source reassures that the appearance of these variants is a «natural process in the history of viruses, linked to the way in which these microorganisms replicate».  

«The National SARS-CoV2 Genomic Watch Consortium will continue to inform health authorities of the genetic evolution of SARS-CoV2 strains circulating in Morocco, and the possible presence of an indigenous variant», the same source added.

On Sunday, Professor Azeddine Ibrahimi, Director of the biotechnology laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat and member of the National Scientific Committee for Covid-19, indicated that Morocco has registered its first variant of SARS-CoV-2, detected in Ouarzazate. Quoting a study carried out by Moroccan researchers, he also warned against the fact that «the British variant will prevail in Morocco in a few weeks».