The army to the rescue as covid-19 cases surge in Marrakech

Marrakech has been at the center of the debate on Moroccan social media platforms after scenes of overcrowding in its hospitals triggered a backlash against the health authorities in the country. The Moroccan armed forces were asked to help.

The army will expand a field hospital in Benguerir near Marrakech to be able to host more patients as the Ocre city continues to register higher daily infection tally.

On June 18, the field hospital was equipped with 350 beds and now the army will add 380 more beds to respond to the growing need for treatment by infected people in the region of Marrakech where hospitals run out of capacity.

Human rights groups have warned that the situation was exacerbating in Marrakech hospitals due to a lack of medics and beds amid a surge in cases.

Authorities have asked asymptomatic people to isolate and follow treatment at home in order to reduce congestion within hospitals.

On Wednesday, Morocco had registered 46313 cases, including 743 deaths and 31576 recoveries.