Morocco warns Covid-19 could spread if measures aren't taken seriously

Moroccan authorities warned Tuesday night that the country could witness further setbacks with the coronavirus pandemic if measures to tackle the pandemic are taken lightly.

The health ministry warned that if preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus are ignored and more people don't take the vaccine, the now stable situation could deteriorate.

Cases have increased in the past two weeks, indicating that "the virus is still among us", said the ministry in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The ministry warned of non-compliance with health and safety measures, in light of the new Omicron variant which has rapidly spread around the world.

Morocco is still in a state of health emergency.

وزارة الصحة والحماية الاجتماعية تنبه إلى خطورة التخلي
عن التدابير الوقائية والحاجزية وتؤكد ضرورة استكمال التلقيح
ضد كوفيد-19 تفاديا لانتكاسة وبائية pic.twitter.com/wDyPVh5H7b

— Ministère-Santé-Maroc Ministry of Health Morocco (@Ministere_Sante) December 14, 2021

As well as reminding people of taking steps like wearing masks in public, the ministry also called on Moroccans to take the Covid-19 and for those who have had two shots to get a booster jab.

Just over 60 percent of people in Morocco have been fully vaccinated.

Earlier this month, the kingdom temporarily banned festivals and cultural events as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

Incoming passenger flights were also banned.

The North African nation has recorded over 950,000 Covid-19 cases and more than 14,800 deaths since the start of the pandemic.