Morocco: Authorities suspend flights with the UK beginning Dec. 20 due to new COVID-19 strain /update 38

Event

Moroccan authorities suspended flights between Morocco and the UK from Dec. 20 until further notice due to concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strain. The flight suspension comes amid a number of targeted travel bans implemented by several other countries in reaction to the new disease variant, which was initially discovered in the southeast of England.

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, authorities in Morocco extended existing restrictions in Agadir-Ida-Ou Tanane and Tiznit provinces through at least Dec. 20; it remains unclear if the measures remain in effect. The restrictions include a nightly 2100-0600 curfew, a requirement for businesses to close by 2000, and the cessation of public transportation after 2100. Residents are instructed to stay at home except for essential reasons. Authorities also extended restrictions in Taroudant province through at least Dec. 22; businesses must close after 2100 nightly, and travel to and from the area requires authorization.

Authorities previously extended restrictions in the Casablanca-Setatt region, as well as in the provinces of Mediouna and Nouaceur through at least Dec. 22. The partial lockdown and 2100-0600 nightly curfew remain in effect in the Casablanca-Settat region. Only individuals with authorization are allowed to enter or leave the region while restrictions are in place. Authorities have closed stadiums and parks. Cafes and restaurants must close at 2000 daily. Public transport is allowed to operate until 2100. Similar measures were implemented in Mediouna and Nouaceur provinces.

The nation's health state of emergency (SoE) remains in effect until Jan. 10. The SoE grants the government authority to impose swift and proactive measures, such as curfews and travel restrictions.

Several other cities and provinces have implemented increased restrictions, including:

• An indefinite nightly 2100-0600 curfew is in force in Al Hoceima Province due to a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. Restaurants and cafes must close by 2100 daily. Public gatherings are limited to 10 people and public parks, playgrounds, and sports stadiums are closed.

• In the city of Tetouan, a nightly 2200-0500 curfew remains in effect; parks, playgrounds, and entertainment spaces are closed. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned and markets must close by 1700 daily. Authorities have not said how long the restrictions will remain in place.

Officials periodically reimpose restrictions in cities across Morocco due to local rises in disease activity. Restrictions may include bans on all public gatherings, closures of beaches and public spaces, such as gardens and sports centers, and business closures, among other measures.

For disease monitoring and tracking purposes, the Moroccan government has classified certain areas in the country as "Zone-1" or "Zone-2" regions based on the local level of COVID-19 activity. In Zone-1 regions, authorities have eased restrictions due to lower disease activity. Residents can leave their homes without special permits but must carry their national identity cards at all times. Certain commercial establishments, such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, beaches, and public baths, are allowed to reopen; all businesses must operate at 50-percent capacity and comply with the country's social distancing guidelines. Zone-2 areas are those where authorities have eased only some restrictions; individuals may not travel outside their municipality of residence without a special permit.

Nationwide, some businesses and services, including hotels, intercity transport, and restaurants, have reopened, albeit under certain operating capacity limitations. Authorities also allow gatherings of more than 20 people in most regions; however, weddings, funerals, movie theaters, and public swimming pools remain banned or closed until further notice. Domestic flights and public transport, including train and bus services, are in operation.

International passenger flights remain suspended until further notice; however, some airlines operate limited repatriation and charter flights. Emergency and cargo flights are exempt. Sea travel to Spain, Gibraltar, and France remains suspended. The border with the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, located on the northern coast of Africa, is closed until further notice.

Nevertheless, the country's borders are open to authorized business visitors, such as those persons with an invitation from a Moroccan company to travel to the country with confirmed hotel reservations. The invitation from a Moroccan company must include the traveler's full name and passport number, the purpose of the visit, and the length of stay in the country. Royal Air Maroc (AT) has announced that it will accommodate and allow foreigners who meet the government's requirements to fly with the airline.

Authorities could further ease restrictions or introduce additional preventative measures, depending on the evolution of disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization
Moroccan Ministry of Health (French)