Morocco: Authorities conditionally open borders to foreign nationals September 6 /update 29

Event

The Moroccan government opened borders to foreign nationals on Sunday, September 6, who may arrive under certain conditions, following their closure due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Those arriving in Morocco are required to present proof of a hotel reservation, a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival, and must not be subject to a visa formality. Authorities also stated that the current state of health emergency, which is due to expire on September 10, would likely be extended.

Authorities in Morocco reimposed COVID-19 restrictions in Casablanca on Monday, September 7, amid an uptick in cases. A nightly curfew from 22:00-05:00 (local time) has entered into effect for two weeks. All educational institutions are closed. Most businesses will be required to close by 15:00, cafes at 20:00, and restaurants at 21:00.

Authorities announced individuals found to be violating social distancing and mandatory face mask measures will be fined 300 dirhams (33 USD). Face masks remain mandatory in all public spaces nationwide.

As of September 7, there have been 72,394 cases of COVID-19 in Morocco, and 1361 associated fatalities. 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.