French Tourists Face Hostility in Morocco Amid Coronavirus Lockdown

"Since our country is heavily affected by the virus, Moroccans are afraid and tell the French to leave. At a time like this, we would prefer to be with our own people...", confides Andrée-Françoise to her husband, André Payraud, who is in France. She is stuck in Morocco with a brother suffering from multiple sclerosis because of the COVID-19 epidemic.

According to André Payraud, his wife has been in the kingdom since March 9, reports Le Dauphiné. "She was supposed to return today (Thursday, March 19); but a week ago, the Easyjet company told her that her flight was canceled. Since then, it has been impossible to get another ticket!", he fumes with anger.

Faced with the situation, the politician has tried to take steps with the local authorities for the repatriation of his wife, "but the consulate in Agadir is closed and no one answers the phone". His wife is still stuck in Morocco.

Things could get complicated for her and other French people trapped in the kingdom. Especially since the country has just declared a health emergency. The official report shows 77 cases, including 3 deaths.