Morocco Reopens Select Weekly Markets with COVID-19 Precautions in Place

Youssef Alaoui, president of the Inter-professional Federation of the Poultry Sector (FISA), confirmed the decision to reopen the markets from Sunday, May 10, after a long period of inactivity, reports Al Massae. He said that the weekly market in Boulemane, which reopened on Sunday, has taken drastic preventive measures. This involves a vast disinfection operation of the premises and the distribution of masks and disinfectants to people who frequent this market. For the president of FISA, this reopening is of paramount importance for breeders, as they have recorded huge losses due to the covid-19 health crisis.

The decision to reopen the markets follows a remote meeting between Youssef Alaoui and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, during which an agreement was reached. Thus, 12 weekly markets located in the regions less affected by covid-19 have been authorized to market livestock, poultry and eggs from Sunday, May 10. These are the markets of Sidi Kacem, Figuig, Tetouan, Khenifra, Safi, Errachidia, Fkih Ben Salah, Boulemane, Settat, Chtouka Ait Baha and Khemisset.

As for the pilot markets, they will soon be open for four days instead of one day per week, it is specified. They will be equipped with sanitary facilities and water points.