The Moroccan authorities have decided to ban from Monday travel to and from eight cities in the country including Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangier, because of a " considerable increase " in recent days in cases of coronavirus contamination.
This decision announced this Sunday July 26 comes a few days before Eid al-Adha, a celebration traditionally marked by family reunions. It comes into force on Monday until further notice, according to a joint statement from the Ministries of the Interior and of Health.
Read also: Coronavirus / Morocco: ban on leaving Tangier during Eid al-Adha
The travel ban was taken " because of the considerable increase in cases of contamination " with the Covid-19 disease and " in view of the non-compliance by the majority of citizens with preventive measures - social distancing, wearing of a mask - ", according to the text.
It concerns eight cities, including the economic capital Casablanca (west), the tourist capital Marrakech (south), Tangier (north), the second economic hub of the kingdom, and Fez (center).
20,278 cases, 313 deaths
Morocco announced a week ago a new reduction in containment measures but the last few days have been marked by record cases of contamination: 811 Saturday and 633 Sunday. The total number of officially registered cases in the country is 20,278, including 313 deaths.
On Saturday, the Minister of Health Khalid Ait Taleb called to " avoid unnecessary visits and physical contact and to ensure compliance with preventive measures during family gatherings " during Eid al-Adha, the planned Muslim festival of sacrifice. this year from July 31.
The Interior Ministry noted a " relaxation of certain individuals " in the wearing of compulsory masks in Morocco, saying in a statement that the authorities " will not hesitate to apply the sanctions provided for by law ". The penalties go up to three months in prison and / or up to a fine of 1,300 dirhams (115 euros).
Morocco has allowed the opening of cafes, restaurants, shops and domestic tourism since June, but the state of health emergency has been extended until August 10.
Read also: Coronavirus: Morocco extends the state of health emergency by one month