Moroccan authorities announced on Sunday that they had closed several neighborhoods in Marrakech, the country's tourist capital, due to an upsurge in infections with the new coronavirus.
“Control operations” in this flagship tourist destination have been stepped up and some neighborhoods have been “totally or partially closed” to stop the spread of the virus. These are the areas of Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, Hay Hassani, Hay Mohammadi, M'hamid, Menara, Jemaa Fna and Kechich, according to Maroc Today.
Travel is limited to cases of extreme necessity (work, health reasons or shopping). Control operations of industrial and professional units are more numerous.
Gardens closed, gatherings prohibited
Campaigns have been launched in the streets of Marrakech to "raise awareness of the danger of slackening while respecting preventive measures", such as wearing a mask (also called "bib") and physical distancing.
The authorities are also ensuring the total closure of gardens, green spaces, the ban on gatherings in public spaces and in front of bank branches and others, according to the Moroccan newspaper. Travel at the entrances to the city and between neighborhoods is also controlled.
1776 cases recorded on Saturday
Similar measures were taken recently in Casablanca, Tangier and Fez, which are among the most affected cities in the kingdom. A country of 35 million inhabitants, Morocco has recorded since the beginning of March 41,017 cases of contamination, including 632 deaths.
It has been facing an increase in infections for a few days with more than 1,000 cases recorded daily and even a record of 1,776 cases recorded on Saturday.
Morocco began its deconfinement in June after a very strict three-month confinement. The borders remain closed "until further notice", plunging the vital tourism sector into an unprecedented crisis.