Morocco: Government reintroduces lockdown measures in Tangier July 13 /update 21

Event

The Moroccan government announced on Monday, July 13, that lockdown measures will be reintroduced in Tangier following an increase in locally-detected cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Members of the public are being advised not to leave their homes unless for essential reasons such as buying food, accessing medical supplies, or going to work. Public spaces within the city have also been closed. Public transport into and out of Tangier is also suspended, and any movement outside of the city limits will require a permit from authorities. The easing of these restrictions will be linked to the reduction of detected cases in the city.

Moroccan authorities announced on Thursday, July 9, that an emergency decree has been extended until at least August 10, to allow local authorities the flexibility and time to take restrictive measures where necessary in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the decree, authorities will be permitted to enforce lockdowns on a region-by-region basis if a rise in COVID-19 cases occurs.

The easing of COVID-19 restrictions began on June 25, which allowed the reopening of restaurants, cafes, sports clubs, and entertainment facilities to resume at 50 percent capacity with the exception of Tangier, Marrakech, and Safi, where COVID-19 cases remain high.

Additionally, domestic travel has resumed, and borders are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, July 14.

As of July 13, health authorities have confirmed 15,821 cases of COVID-19 in Morocco, with 253 associated deaths. Further international 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.