Four new deaths were also reported, two in Marrakech, one in Rabat and another in Casablanca, bringing the number of dead due to the virus to 10, said Hind Ezzine, head of the department of epidemic diseases at the ministry, in a statement broadcast by MAP on its channel M24 and RIM RADIO.

 They are elderly people with chronic illnesses, a factor that had significantly lowered their immune defences, she explained, noting that 72 per cent of those infected are over 40 years old.

Ezzine also reported 931 cases excluded after negative laboratory results, noting that one new case of recovery brings the number of cured people to eight.

In terms of geographical distribution, the Casablanca-Settat region recorded 87 cases, Fez-Meknes 51, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra 50 and Marrakech 43. The remaining cases are spread over the other regions, with the exception of Laayoune-Sakia-Hamra and Dakhla-Oud Eddahab, which remain unharmed so far.

Referring to the follow-up of contact persons, the Moroccan official said that 2,341 individuals are still under medical surveillance and 669 others have completed the 14-day monitoring period.