Casablanca Authorities Defend Strict COVID-19 Enforcement in Restaurants Amid Case Surge

In a press release, the authorities argue that the recent increases in contamination are behind the very strict controls throughout the city. They recall that as of August 31, active cases stood at 18,283 after 379 new infections were recorded in the city, the epicenter of the coronavirus in Morocco. "The checks concern places open to the public, closed neighborhoods, cafes, restaurants, gathering places, markets..." they specify.

According to the same document, these interventions by the security forces aim to ensure compliance with the regulatory provisions, namely the wearing of masks by staff, compliance with hygiene measures such as disinfection and the provision of disinfectant products, physical distancing, closing hours...

During these checks, attempts to create bar or dance areas were noted, the day after the closure of some bars and nightclubs. In this regard, 7 establishments were closed on Thursday, August 27 for periods of 48 hours to one week due to non-compliance with regulatory measures.

According to some sources, the top priority has always been to protect customers. "There has never been any question of harassing them," they reassure. They also add that the purpose of these control operations is to have a mask in a public place and not to wear it, as it is impossible to eat or drink a beverage with a mask.