Speaking at the House of Representatives (lower house), El Otmani added that the increase in covid-19 cases remains "moderate" so far thanks to the efforts made by all stakeholders

Local infection cases have become the most dominant ones (82%), he noted, adding that several epidemic foci have emerged among some families due to some gatherings that did not comply with precautionary measures

The government has adopted since the start of the pandemic and in accordance with the high Royal instructions a participatory approach based on national mobilization in order to face the epidemic, he said, adding that the government remains committed to transparency and frankness as regards communication, the measures and decisions taken, as well as the spread of the virus.

Concerning the measures taken to face the pandemic, El Otmani underlined the importance of the decision of HM the King to mobilize military medicine to help stop the spread of the pandemic.

Morocco has, since September 2019, an epidemiological watch system, through a national center and regional centers of emergency operations in the area of general medicine, El Otmani pointed out.

This system was set up as part of the 2025 National Health Plan, he said, while commending the effectiveness of this system in the monitoring and follow-up of covid-19 cases.

Regarding the strengthening of the national health system, the head of government indicated that 2 billion Dirhams have been allocated to the Special Fund for the management of the coronavirus pandemic to cover the expenses related mainly to the purchase of medical and hospital equipment (1,000 resuscitation beds, 550 respirators, several radiological equipment), the purchase of laboratory analysis equipment, including 100,000 testings kits, in addition to the setting up of several military hospitals intended to receive covid-19 cases.

El Otmani also recalled the numerous measures accompanying the implementation of the health emergency rules, including remote learning, the continuity of the main public services and the regular supply of markets with basic products.

The head of government also mentioned the measures taken to mitigate the social and economic repercussions of the pandemic, including those affecting employees, entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), liberal professions facing difficulties due to the current situation and the support provided to families working in the informal sector.

He recalled, in this regard, that the economic monitoring committee has proposed a monthly compensation of 2,000 dirhams for wage earners and employees under contract-integration and fishermen who are in temporary work cessation and affiliated to the National Social Security Fund in the month of February 2020.

This compensation concerns the period from March 15 to June 30, 2020, knowing that so far, 810,155 employees have been registered out of a total of 132,225 companies, including 716,255 beneficiaries, while 92,795 cases are still under investigation.

Commenting the situation of Moroccans stranded in other countries and whose number stands at 7,000, El Otmani said that in accordance with the high royal instructions, Morocco's diplomatic representations have provided the necessary support and assistance in these exceptional circumstances through several urgent measures, including setting up cells in charge of monitoring the situation of Moroccans stranded abroad and providing accomodation to those who cannot pay for these expenses.

He underlined that all the initiatives taken by the government in this exceptional period are mainly aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and companies affected by the current situation on the basis of a solidarity perspective.