Morocco: Authorities extend state of emergency to July 10 /update 15

Event

On Tuesday, June 9, Moroccan authorities stated that they would be extending the country's state of emergency to July 10, in further efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19. However, the government also announced that they would begin easing the current restrictive measures during this period, details of which will emerge later in the week.

The nationwide lockdown came into effect on March 20. All nonessential movement is prohibited, with individuals only permitted to leave their homes to shop for food and medicine or go to work with the required permits issued by authorities. A nighttime curfew between 19:00 and 05:00 (local time) is also currently in place. The use of face masks is mandatory in public spaces; those who fail to do so risk being fined or jailed.

The suspension of intercity transportation was implemented on March 21, with exceptions for those traveling for health and professional needs. The government also called for the closure of nonessential shops and entertainment venues, including restaurants, cafés, theaters, and cinemas nationwide as of March 16. Schools and mosques are also closed. All international passenger flights to and from the country have been suspended since March 15.

As of June 9, there have been 8437 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Morocco, including 210 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected globally in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water. 
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.