Morocco Debates Lifting COVID Curfew and Travel Restrictions as Cases Decline

The curfew and the ban on inter-city travel are among the measures intended to avoid a third pandemic wave. But these measures are far from unanimous within the Executive, where the majority is questioning their necessity in the current context of improvement.

While some argue for the maintenance of preventive provisions, others see the curfew "as one measure too many," which goes against the general interest and only exacerbates the economic situation of certain social categories heavily impacted by the health crisis.

The lifting of the curfew, the repeal of the derogatory travel permit, the extension of the opening hours of cafes and shops by 2 hours would have beneficial effects on the national economy, estimate some ministers, who however exclude the cities where the incidence remains very high.

Others prefer to wait a few more weeks before making such a fundamental decision. The lack of visibility and the approach of the school holidays could impair the efforts made so far to curb the pandemic.