WHO Urges Morocco to Take Action as COVID-19 Cases Surge

The situation is worrying the WHO. Its Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warns: "Morocco should do more, particularly to reverse the upward trend we are currently observing." The Ministry of Health, however, has implemented a series of restrictive measures: the state of health emergency, in effect since mid-March, has been extended until September 10; rapid tests are available in neighborhood clinics. Casablanca (west) and Tangier (north), two of the Moroccan cities most affected, have benefited from two new care units for infected people since then.

We must add the limitation of movements to and from eight cities. Neighborhoods with hotspots, particularly in Casablanca, the economic capital, Tangier and Fez, are closed. From now on, a fine of 300 dirhams (27 euros) is imposed in case of "non-compliance with social distancing" and non-wearing of masks. The borders remain closed "until further notice". A major blow to the vital tourism sector.