Morocco has confirmed fifty-five new cases of infection with the new coronavirus (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of contamination cases  to 225, said Wednesday Hafid Zahri, communication adviser to the minister of Health.

The number of deaths stands at six. The latest deceased was a 65-year-old Moroccan citizen from the city of Meknes, who suffered from chronic illnesses, according to Zahri.  The number of recoveries has increased to seven. The latest recovered case was a 69-year-old man living in Casablanca. 

Zahri continued the the total number of confirmed is geographically distributed in the kingdom as follows: Casablanca-Settat region, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, Fès-Meknès region, Marrakech-Safi region, Tangier region- Tétouan-El Hoceima, Souss-Massa region, the Oriental, Beni Mellal-Khénifra region, Draa Tafilalet region and Guelmim-Oud Noun region.

The age group most exposed to the risk of contamination with Covid-19 is that of more than 51 years at a rate of 32.6%, while the age group of less than 5 years recorded a percentage of 1, 1%. The age group between 5 and 15 years, did not record any case, noted Zahri. He added  that the age group between 15 and 25 years recorded a percentage of 9.1% and the age group between 40 and 65 reached 36.9%.

The official added that the total number of cases coming from foreign countries reached 51%, compared to 49% for local contamination. The state of health of the 86% of the  infected cases is “stable”, while 14% is “unstable”.

In an attempt to slow the spread of the pandemic and implement preventive measures, Morocco implemented a state of emergency on March 20. The measure will last until 20 April. Morocco has also suspended all international flights, shut mosques, schools, restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, theaters, sports, public clubs, baths, and other entertainment venues.

The ministry urges citizens to observe rules of hygiene, implement the precautionary measures issued by the Moroccan authorities, act with responsibility and show patriotism.