Moroccan School Combats Coronavirus Misinformation Amid Rising Panic

While greeting the recipients of his letter, the principal recalled that "since Monday, the school has been inundated with unfounded denunciations, erroneous information, and various rumors". But "on Tuesday evening, a delirious rumor appeared on social networks, relaying a message claiming that a student had presented himself to the infirmary and had been taken care of, according to the protocol in force, by the firefighters". Even worse, "some would even have seen an ambulance and health personnel in protective clothing. This rumor was supported by a petition calling for the closure of the school for 15 days".

While rejecting these various allegations intended to sow panic, the principal, in this time of crisis, "asks all parents and all students to keep their cool and common sense". For him, social networks once again show their dangerousness. "Such messages and petitions are the work of totally irresponsible people and can only create an anxious climate, detrimental to the transparent communication that it is our duty to provide to families," he specified, calling on parents to rely only on the communications of the Moroccan authorities and the AEFE.

He then directed parents to the official links and websites of the AEFE and also reminded them of the toll-free number made available to citizens by the Ministry of Health for any questions related to the coronavirus. He also reassured parents that the school health services within the AEFE establishments are informed and equipped with all the necessary equipment to handle a possible case of a student or staff member presenting alert symptoms. "In case of suspicion of a viral syndrome, the parents will be immediately notified and the child will be taken care of, pending their arrival," he concluded.