Seven new deaths from coronavirus complications were reported, bringing the number of fatalities to 33, while another person recovered, which rises the number of recovered people to fourteen, he added in a statement broadcast by MAP on its M24 channel and RIM radio.

As for the geographical spread of the virus, there has been no change over the past 24 hours, he said, noting that the Casablanca region is still the worst-hit area (159 cases), followed by the regions of Fez-Meknes, Marrakech-Safi and Rabat-Salé-Kenitra.

No case of infection has been reported in the Laayoune-Sakia-Hamra and Dakhla-Oud Eddahab regions, El Youbi pointed out.

Regarding the increase in confirmed cases, he said this "rise" was expected in the second phase of the fight against the epidemic in the country, alike the rest of the world, adding that "this stage is characterized by the emergence of cases linked to previous ceremonies, funerals or tourist trips, as it is the case in Meknes and Casablanca."

"Since we have reached phase II, which provides, according to the national plan, for the rapid detection and containment of infected cases in order to prevent the spread of the virus, it is essential to identify these cases, Seventy-one new confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) were reported in Morocco over the past 24 hours, bringing to 534 the total number of covid-19 cases in the Kingdom, said Monday Director of epidemiology and fight against diseases at the ministry of Health, Mohamed El Youbi.

Seven new deaths from coronavirus complications were reported, bringing the number of fatalities to 33, while another person recovered, which rises the number of recovered people to fourteen, he added in a statement broadcast by MAP on its M24 channel and RIM radio.

As for the geographical spread of the virus, there has been no change over the past 24 hours, he said, noting that the Casablanca region is still the worst-hit area (159 cases), followed by the regions of Fez-Meknes, Marrakech-Safi and Rabat-Salé-Kenitra.

No case of infection has been reported in the Laayoune-Sakia-Hamra and Dakhla-Oud Eddahab regions, El Youbi pointed out.

Regarding the increase in confirmed cases, he said this "rise" was expected in the second phase of the fight against the epidemic in the country, alike the rest of the world, adding that "at this stage, characterized by the emergence of cases linked to previous ceremonies, funerals or tourist trips, as it is the case in Meknes and Casablanca.

"Since we have reached phase II, which provides, according to the national plan, for the rapid detection and containment of infected cases in order to prevent the spread of the virus, it is essential to identify these cases, ensure the follow-up of cases and carry out a virological diagnosis through laboratory tests, as it was done for people who were in contact with visitors of an Arab country, and with participants in big parties in Casablanca,'' he added.

Hence 47 cases are related to tourist travels and 45 others to celebrations, he added.

Concerning fatalities, the death rate is at 6%, he said, adding that "in comparison with some of the neighboring European countries with which we maintain close relations and contacts, we note the same rate, if not slightly more."

Deaths are reported among the more vulnerable groups, including older adults and people suffering from chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases...), he added.

"By comparing the average age of deceased people, we see that this rate reaches approximately 66 years, while the average age for the rest of cases is 52 years," he said.

According to El Youbi, 82% of those who died were suffering from chronic diseases.