Morocco: Authorities announce borders to reopen for citizens and residents from July 14 /update 19

Event

Moroccan authorities have announced that the country's air and maritime borders are to reopen from Tuesday, July 14, following a months-long closure due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The first stage of the reopening will see Moroccan citizens and residents permitted to travel. The only ports permitted to operate ferries to and from Morocco will be the French port of Sète and the Italian port of Genoa. All air passengers must present a PCR test as well an antibody test taken less than 48 hours before boarding flights to Morocco. Moroccan authorities permitted the resumption of domestic flights and rail services on June 25. The country's mosques will be permitted to reopen from Wednesday, July 15, although Friday prayers will remain banned and social distancing measures are encouraged. The current state of health emergency was earlier extended until Friday, July 10.

As of Thursday, July 9, health authorities have confirmed 14,949 COVID-19 cases and 242 associated deaths in Morocco. Further spread of the virus is expected 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.