The Ministry of Health said, on Friday, that no cases of the new EG5.1 variant (also known as Eris, a subvariant of omicron) were recorded in Morocco. The immunization program should be completed to shield populations against emerging strains, it warned.
The ministry is closely watching the epidemiological situation in Morocco, and regularly consulting with the Scientific Committee to take preemptive measures. The National Center for Public Health Emergency Operations is also on high alert.
The EG5.1 sub-variant can potentially proliferate and trigger a fresh wave of infections. The possibility of registering critical cases and even fatalities, particularly among the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic health conditions, is not ruled out.
Mask wearing and social distancing is still recommended for people with respiratory symptoms.
Several countries around the world have witnessed, in recent weeks, the emergence of EG5.1, which now accounts for the largest proportion of Covid infections in the U.S., according to international news outlets.