Moroccan health experts are urging the elderly and immunocompromised individuals to strengthen their preventive measures against COVID-19 following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) detection of a new variant, NB 1.8.1, which has caused a spike in infections globally.
While reassuring the general public, Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a physician and researcher in health policy and systems, emphasized that the variant does not pose a serious threat to public health.
“There’s no cause for alarm,” he said in a statement to AR. “Although infections have increased in parts of Asia and elsewhere, this variant has been present in China for over a year, and there is no evidence that it is more dangerous than previous ones.”
However, Hamdi cautioned that vulnerable groups — particularly the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and organ transplant recipients — should remain vigilant, as they are at a higher risk of severe illness and mortality. “Their immune defenses weaken with age, making them more susceptible,” he explained.
He also noted that previous vaccinations received by the broader population still offer protection against new variants, including NB 1.8.1.
Dr. Said Afif, a member of Morocco’s national scientific committee on vaccination, echoed the sentiment, affirming that the variant should not cause concern for the general population. “Only the elderly and those with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems need to take extra precautions,” Afif told AR.
He advised those in high-risk categories to strictly follow preventive health measures. “Anyone who suspects they may be infected should wear a mask and practice good hand hygiene until test results are confirmed, to protect their families and loved ones,” Afif added.
Despite the emergence of new variants, Moroccan health authorities stress that existing immunity and public health protocols remain effective tools in mitigating the risk, especially for the country’s most vulnerable populations.
The post
Health experts urge elderly to take precautions amid emergence of new COVID-19 variant
appeared first on
English – Morocco News
.
