Morocco Bans Inter-City Transfer of Remains Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

In a circular dated Friday, April 3, the authorities specify that any death, whether a natural death following hospitalization or from covid-19, will have to be followed by a burial in the city where it was reported. As an example, the same note reminds that a person domiciled in Khenifra and deceased for example in Rabat, following hospitalization, will thus be buried in the capital.

According to the authorities, this measure aims to limit the risk of coronavirus infection and strengthen the system to fight the pandemic. Since the entry into force of the state of health emergency, only four members of the family of a deceased person are authorized to attend the funeral. This, in addition to a single religious officer.

It should be noted that the same measure has been adopted for Moroccans residing abroad, who die during the pandemic. Through the intervention of the kingdom’s diplomatic and consular bodies in countries like France, Spain or Italy, they are buried in their country of residence, in Muslim cemeteries or in sections reserved for Muslims in local cemeteries.