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What is your assessment of the current epidemiological situation in Morocco ?
The situation in Morocco evolved in four phases. The first one is when the country started recording imported cases, while the second one was marked by the emergence of local cases. The third and fourth phases started with the appearance of epicenters and infections within the same households. These two phases were also marked by the recording of around 100 cases every day. This means that the transmission of the virus is present in the country.
We are currently in the fourth phase but we did not reach the peak of the outbreak, which I hope we will be able to reach as soon as possible. However, honestly, the State has taken appropriate, fair and progressive measures each time.
What are the factors that led to each of these phases?
The measures were decided following each of the four phases, because we have realized that the virus is now transmitted locally and that some people have not respected the lockdown and led to infections within their households.
Unfortunately, we have also noticed a number of situations, which have become more complicated and we have gone, within a very short period, from a 2.75% to a 7% lethality rate for the virus. These changes force us to reconsider some of our strategies, especially the one related to testing.
How do you think that the current epidemiological situation would change soon?
Social distancing, frequent handwashing, no gatherings and wearing a face mask can make the current situation change. Also treating the confirmed cases is also an extremely important factor.
In addition to these measures, testing must be expanded. It is necessary to reach, as quickly as possible, the peak of the outbreak to see a decline in new cases. To prevent the growth phase in which we are today from extending over time, it is crucial to do so.
I believe that the State has already taken this step, by creating 48 dedicated centers. I hope that the private sector will mobilize to help the State in testing the samples, if these units get approved.
We cannot afford to have too many severe cases. Our system, as a whole, public and private included, will not be able to provide healthcare to a massive flow of these cases, not because we have no skills, but because the infrastructure and the means will no longer be enough. We have seen it in France, in Spain, and in the most developed countries like the United States. We must act quickly as much as possible.
Should we expect an extension, given the current situation?
It is a decision that should be taken by the State, which will be based on the situation and its developments.
I would like to see a decrease in cases tomorrow. But given the current data, which may change, I believe that the peak should be reached around the last week of the current month and the decrease around mid-May. Objectively, containment may not be lifted until mid-May or late May.
If the numbers change, it means that the confinement was strictly observed and that people are conscientious and that means good news. Otherwise, and while remaining reasonably optimistic, we have another four weeks to go through before the end of the lockdown.
Why have Moroccan health authorities not commented yet on the use of chloroquine for Covid-19 cases?
Frankly, we cannot yet speak about it, so it takes more time, more perspective and more patience.
I am part of the team in the private sector working with the State. We receive patients from the Health Ministry and we started the protocol in accordance with the recommendations of the National Technical Commission and international scientific data. We have some cured cases, cases that are progressing well and some cases that have not progressed well.
We are in the process of evaluating this therapeutic protocol, but I believe that the Health Ministry has done the right thing.
For now, I believe Moroccans are aware that we are adopting the best measures for their health; if there are other protocols recommended by the National Technical Commission, we will adopt them. It seems to me, and I say this very cautiously, that the first results are rather encouraging, but I prefer to wait before talking about the numbers.
