Rabat Pool Stampede Sparks COVID Concerns as Thousands Defy Safety Measures

Concerns in the ranks of the authorities in the face of the images of the stampede at the large pool in Rabat. Yet it is not for lack of raising awareness on the need to respect barrier gestures, especially in these summer vacation times that coincide with the reopening of Morocco’s borders and the resumption of travel to and from Morocco. This extraordinary gathering has aroused both the indignation of Internet users and the fear of a new wave of contamination, with its share of consequences on the health, economic and social levels, reports L’Opinion.

The pool in question is the largest in Morocco and Africa. It covers an area of 17,000 m² on the Atlantic coast, at the level of the Yaâcoub Al Mansour district. The video posted on social networks shows several young people trying to cross the security barrier to access the pool.

Contacted by L’Opinion, the president of the Forum of Childhood Associations, Abdelali Rami, indicated that "as part of the preventive measures, the pool’s reception capacity has been limited to 50%, or 2,500 available seats". Beyond this number, the health protocol in place invites the rest to "wait their turn or come back later".

For Abdelali Rami, this scenario could be repeated if the inhabitants of Rabat do not get involved in the strict application of safety and hygiene instructions. "The problem that arises is that the children are unable to respect the barrier gestures, especially since all they are concerned about is to cool off in these times of heat wave". He stresses that parents need to talk to their children and explain to them how dangerous the virus is.