Moroccan Cities Ramp Up Public Transit Disinfection to Combat COVID-19 Spread

The press release from the Ministry of the Interior dated Monday, March 16, justifies the launch of these measures, by the concern to preserve the health and safety of the populations. These measures also limit the number of passengers to three in large taxis instead of six. Tramways and buses must not exceed their maximum capacity.

Mohamed Sadiki, mayor of Rabat, confirms that the operation has indeed started in his city. It is carried out by the municipal hygiene office (BHM) for small and large taxis, the STRS for the tramways, Alsa for the buses, and the delegatees for the other means of transport.

For the authority, the opportunity of this operation will be seized to remind drivers of the various preventive measures against COVID-19 and those relating to cleanliness. That is to say, the use of gloves and the use of the test for suspected cases. To ensure the safety of users, the disinfection of the trains will be done with a special product at each terminus. Before the change of line, the cleaning of the bars and high-risk areas, the parts in contact with people, will be carried out, reassured the communication manager of the Rabat-Salé Tramway Company, Alae Elouardirhi.

A campaign on the hygiene rules to be respected by passengers is also being carried out by the delegated company of the Rabat tramway. In order to facilitate and promote the creation of a virus hotspot, the Ministry of the Interior has urged the population not to use public transport except in case of extreme necessity during this critical period.