Morocco Extends COVID-19 Restrictions for Holiday Season, Varies by Region

In Casablanca, the government deemed it appropriate on November 21 to extend restrictions in part of the Casablanca-Settat region for 4 weeks, starting November 22, 2020. The prefectures of Casablanca, Mohammedia and the provinces of Nouaceur, Médiouna, Berrechid and Benslimane are also affected by these measures. The same measures must be observed in Rabat, especially the authorization to enter and leave the capital. In Agadir and Essaouira, the local authorities decided on December 5 and 11 respectively to extend them for 15 days, reports Le Challenge.

As for the city of Tangier, until further notice, it is off-limits, except with a special travel authorization. In Oujda, it was announced on December 14 that certain measures would be revised. Thus, from December 16, cafes, restaurants and all commercial, professional and service premises and hotels will close between 10pm and 6am, and the curfew will be pushed back from 11pm to 5am, instead of 9pm-5am previously.

Marrakech is benefiting from an easing of restrictions. Thus, since October, the mandatory travel authorizations have been canceled, in order to revive economic activities and mainly tourism, which has been severely affected by the health crisis.

It should be noted that the Council of Government decided on December 3 to extend the state of health emergency throughout the national territory until January 10, 2021 in order to better contain the spread of the pandemic.