Morocco Restricts Travel to 8 Major Cities as COVID-19 Cases Surge

Taking into account the considerable increase in recent days of Covid-19 cases in several prefectures and provinces; and based on the conclusions of the daily monitoring and periodic evaluation of the epidemiological situation in our country; and within the framework of strengthening the measures taken to fight the spread of this pandemic; it was decided, from Sunday, July 26 at midnight, to prohibit movements to and from the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, Fez, Meknes, Casablanca, Berrechid, Settat and Marrakech, indicate the Ministries of the Interior and Health in a joint press release.

Excluded from this decision are people with urgent medical needs, people working in the public and private sectors with mission orders issued by their superiors, provided they obtain a special travel authorization issued by the local authorities, the same source specifies.

However, this ban does not apply to the transport of goods and basic products which is taking place under normal and fluid conditions to supply citizens with their daily needs, the statement said.

This decision was made in view of the non-compliance by the majority of citizens with preventive measures, in particular social distancing, wearing masks, using disinfectants, despite their large availability in the markets, leading to the spread of infection and the increase in confirmed cases, the same source continues.

Faced with this situation, the public authorities call on citizens to strictly respect these measures under penalty of rigorous repressive measures, in accordance with the law, the statement concludes.