Morocco Allows Special Flights for French Nationals to Return Home Amid Coronavirus Crisis

For Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, this decision comes after several talks with his counterpart, Nasser Bourita,, in particular on Friday and Saturday, in order to facilitate the return of his compatriots from Morocco. "The first flights were able to leave this morning for France," added the French Foreign Minister on his Twitter account.

According to the French minister, the necessary authorizations for the organization of the return flights will be given so that the French embassy in Morocco and the crisis center of the ministry are fully mobilized in the service of the nationals.

It should be noted that the Moroccan authorities had announced, on Friday, the suspension "until further notice" of air links to France, Algeria, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and Italy, as well as passenger maritime traffic.

In Morocco, 17 cases have been detected to date, including one death and one recovery. According to the latest report published by the authorities of the Ministry of Health, 9 new cases tested positive for the coronavirus, in the night from Friday to Saturday.

In addition, cultural gatherings have been suspended and sporting events are held behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the virus. Only collective prayers in mosques remain authorized. But until when?