The Fès-Meknès Regional Council gives 30 Million DH to help needy families

The Fès-Meknès regional council has earmarked DH 30 million for the purchase of food baskets for the benefit of needy families, as part of the measures intended to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 on the population.

This aid, which includes basic foodstuffs, will benefit these families during the period of the state of health emergency which will continue until April 20, said a press release from the Fez-Meknes Regional Council, stating that this operation will affect the various prefectures and provinces of the region, in coordination with local authorities.

"This measure of distribution of aid for the benefit of populations living in a precarious situation is part of the surge of solidarity and mutual aid and efforts made to help people to respect the confinement instructions,''  underlines the president of the council.

Welcoming the efforts made by local public authorities to protect the health of citizens, the official urged the entire population to comply with government directives and to respect preventive measures.

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Fez Souk Closing Time Now 1PM -

The new souk closing time of 1PM has had the unintended consequence of causing more people to crowd into the streets in a shorter space of time.

Food prices are up but good fresh food is plentiful

On the plus side, the rule about only one person per household being allowed to leave the house has kept numbers of shoppers down. Though it is difficult to maintain a one metre distance from others in the souk, a majority of people appreciate the health reasons and are careful to avoid physical contact.

Food prices in the souks have been on the rise which is becoming a problem for those who are now out of work. Morocco’s Inter-ministerial Committee in Charge of Monitoring Supply, Prices, and Quality detected 768 infringements in terms of the prices and quality of food products between March 1 and March 29.

The committee monitored the prices and quality of products at 30,000 wholesale and retail outlets and storage warehouses across the country, according to a statement issued on March 30.

The violations include 519 for failing to display prices, 146 for not presenting invoices, 41 for not respecting quality and hygiene standards, 49 for illegal increase in the regulated prices, three for clandestine storage, and 10 other miscellaneous violations.

Small stores may remain open until 6pm

While the food souks in Fez are closed from 1PM it is understood that small shops selling basic things such as bread, shampoo and so on, will remain open until 6pm.

The presence of soldiers and police (all wearing masks) has helped people to realise the severity of the health problem. In addition, television and radio are constantly broadcasting the latest advice and information.

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Morocco Launches Aid Registration for Informal Workers

Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior is implementing a registration process for informal workers who are unable to work because of the lockdown laws.

Moroccan workers in the informal sector have been asked tp send their registration number under the National Medical Assistance Program (RAMED) to the toll-free number 1212.

Workers can also call the 1212 telephone number to request more information and assistance, or to file complaints.

On March 27, the Economic Monitoring Committee (CVE) announced the allocation of a monthly stipend for the workers who were forced to suspend their income-generating activities due to the national lockdown.

Workers in households of two people or less will receive MAD 800 ($80) monthly. Households of three to four people will receive MAD 1,000 ($100). Households of more than four members will benefit from MAD 1,200 ($120).

The distribution of financial assistance is set to begin on April 6 and citizens must complete the registration process online.

While the newly announced method only concerns workers who are already registered under the RAMED, the government stressed that all informal workers who can prove the suspension of their activity is due to the lockdown are eligible for financial aid.

However, authorities have not yet explained specifics how citizens can receive the stipend if they do not have a RAMED registration number.

Earlier this month, the CVE announced a similar measure for workers in the formal sector who are registered under the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).

This category of workers and employees will receive MAD 2,000 ($200) monthly, in addition to family allowances and medical coverage.

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Corona Virus in Morocco - Update March 30th

Morocco’s Ministry of Health has confirmed 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 534 as of 6 p.m. on March 30.

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Possible Heavy Rain in Morocco

The National Metrology Directorate have forecast heavy rainfall in several provinces from Monday evening, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31.

Heavy rainfall of 40 to 70 millilitres will hit the provinces of Chefchaouen, Fah-Anjra, Larach, Tangier, Asilah and Tetouan, in northern Morocco. Localised, moderate rains are expected in the provinces of Kenitra and M’Diq-Fnideq, and in Ouezzane and Taounate, a statement from the DMN said.

Gusts of wind ranging from 60 to 70 kilometres per hour are expected in Tangier, the Rif, the plains north of Essaouira, the southeastern slopes, and in the High and the Middle Atlas.

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Why are Coronavirus numbers so high in Meknes?

While the Moroccan health authorities daily reporting of infections across the country, they have caused some confusion by reporting on regions rather than individual cities. The figures for Fes/Meknes are third highest in the country after Casablanca and Marrakech, yet digging down into the numbers reveals that Fez has a much lower number than Meknes.

The answer lies in the fact that fifteen people who visited Egypt in March tested positive for the virus. According to the city’s mayor, the 15 people were part of a group of men and women who went on an organised trip between February 25 and March 10.

The Mayor of Meknes, Abdellah Banou, said that "20 of them are currently at the Sidi Said Hospital while four others are at the Military Hospital".

The 15 confirmed cases have all been to Egypt in an organised trip, the Mayor said, adding that one of them had died. After the health authorities confirmed the first infection, the other travellers who were part of the same group were identified and advised to self-isolate and call the authorities once noticing coronavirus symptoms.

Benaissa Benshan, head of the Ismaili Association of Retired teachers in Meknes, who organised the trip during the period between February 25 to March 10, said that 58 people took part to that trip, including him and another official from the association.

"About an hour before our flight landed at the Casablanca airport, they handed us papers, to answer questions about whether we had visited China. And when we arrived at the airport we were not subjected to any examination", Benaissa Benshan said.

The Meknes-based man said that three days after returning to Meknes, a 40-year-old woman started showing symptoms and when her husband called the competent authorities, they told him that Egypt is not considered as an epicentre for the virus. "Things got worse and her condition deteriorated, and she was taken to the military hospital after her infection got confirmed," he added.

The president of the association explained that the health authorities asked the rest of the group to buy thermometers, check their body temperature daily and call if there is something abnormal.

It was confirmed that 16 people had the virus, two are from Fez, and 14 others from Meknes, one of them died last night», meaning after the confirmed cases and deaths were announced yesterday by the health ministry.

The combined figures for Fez/Meknes are now at 88 with the majority being in Meknes. At present there is no definitive number for Fez but it is believed to be 20 or less.

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Fez Medina Becomes a Ghost Town as Morocco Passes 500 Infections

Morocco records 37 new COVID-19 cases for total of 516, with nearly 2,000 people in Morocco with suspected cases testing negative for the virus.

The message about self isolation and social distancing appears to have taken hold. The streets are virtually empty and most shops closed.  Walking through Fez is an eerie experience with virtually nobody on the street and an overall sense of tranquility and silence. People are taking care to avoid direct contact with each other.

There are some exceptions. The famous tannery is still being worked by some tanners keen not to let their stack of animal hides to go to rot and go to waste. And there are still young people who don't appear concerned by the instructions to stay at home.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has suggested the possibility of delivering harsher penalties for violations of the state of emergency if they include acts stipulated in the Criminal Code

Sefarine square is empty

Meanwhile, in Marrakech there are still a lot of people on the streets

The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech

Place Jemaa El Fna, Marrakech

Meanwhile, in Casablanca....

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Overnight Surge of Moroccan Coronavirus Numbers

Morocco’s Ministry of Health confirmed new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number to 437 as of March 29.

What is new is the number of screening tests carried out in the past three days. While it struggled to exceed the threshold of 1000 tests for three weeks, the number of people screened now stands at 1813 this Saturday at 6 p.m. Despite this increase, the number of tests carried out in Morocco remains very low. With the strengthening of the screening kit system in Morocco, this situation will probably change.

On Friday, March 27, the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Administrative Reform announced the allocation of 2 billion dirhams (MMDH) for purchase of the medical device and this, as part of the Special fund for the management of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. This amount was used mainly for the purchase of medical and hospital equipment (1,000 resuscitation beds, 550 respirators, 100,000 sampling kits, 100,000 test kits, radiology and imaging equipment ...), indicates this ministry. The acquisition of 100,000 screening kits will considerably strengthen the country's capacity to carry out tests to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.

In other news
Korean company, Osang Healthcare, has signed a contract with the Moroccan government to supply Corona 19 diagnostic kits. Osang Health Care has also decided to supply an additional 10,000 kits free of charge.

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Morocco - latest figures - and some light relief.

Morocco has recorded 50 more coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 275 as of 6 p.m. on March 26, revealed Hind Zine, a director at the epidemiology department of the Health Ministry.

The ministry also announced four fatalities, bringing the country’s COVID-19 death toll to 10.

Two of the new coronavirus victims died in Marrakech, while the remaining two died in Casablanca and Rabat.

Health authorities also recorded a new recovery, bringing the total number of recoveries to eight.

The Casablanca-Settat region leads the country with 87 cases of the coronavirus. Fez-Meknes comes second (51 cases), followed by Rabat-Sale-Kenitra (50) and Marrakech-Safi (43).

The southern regions of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab remain safe from the virus with no recorded cases.

Around 72% of the patients in Morocco are over 40 years old

And in the face of the numbers - it is also time to have a moment to smile - this is worth a listen.

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What's Happening in the Fez Medina?

COVID-19 cases in Morocco climb to 143 with a majority in Fez-Meknes region. The majority of Morocco’s confirmed cases are concentrated in the Fez-Meknes region, with 35 cases, followed by Casablanca-Settat (34 cases) and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra (32 cases).

Fewer people in the souk

There has been no information specific to Fez, but rather a grouping under the label of "Fez-Meknes".
It would be helpful to have the two cities infection figures made public. The crowded nature of the Medina makes close contact with others unavoidable  - but, thankfully, almost everyone is staying at home and only coming out for essentials.

 Interior minister Abdelouafi Laftit called on Moroccans to respect the measures undertaken by public authorities. He then encouraged everyone to respect the quarantine imposed since March 20, adding that exceptional movement permits and working documents have been issued to allow mobility of citizens and residents.

“The objective at the moment is to find solutions, something to which Morocco aspires through the Special Fund for the management of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Laftit.

The draft law, as part of the government’s urgent COVID-19 preventive measures, provides a legal framework for public authorities to take appropriate measures and to declare a state of health emergency whenever the citizens’ safety is threatened by an epidemic.

The streets are almost deserted with fewer taxis and a marked presence of police

Meanwhile, there have been some bizarre developments. Morocco has arrested a man for claiming that sexual intercourse protects against coronavirus! The author of the video claimed to be a specialist in microscopic analyst at a medical institute, advising people to have daily sexual intercourse to avoid contracting COVID-19.

Police in Fez have also arrested two men in Fez for manufacturing fake disinfectant. The increasing demand on disinfectants and sanitisers has led a number of Moroccans to take advantage of citizens by selling them fake products.

Search operations led to the confiscation of 22,000 pairs of paramedical gloves, 1,400 paramedical masks, and 1,716 flasks containing chemical solutions labelled “sterilisation solution.”

Authorities also seized 21 containers of paint thinner, 6 bottles of cologne, and 21 pieces of homemade soap.

The suspects possessed a large quantity of drugs, syringes, laboratory equipment, and money suspected to be the income of their criminal activity.

Place Rcif is almost empty

Talking to people in the vegetable souk at Rcif revealed that most are in a good mood but very aware of the consequences of close contact. People kept their distance and refrained from the normal handshake. "It's not an easy time " a small stall holder said, 'But together we will get through it, inshallah"

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Morocco Extends State of Emergency - Latest Updates

Moroccan internet users, academics, and public speakers have gone online to express frustration and anger after large crowds of people flooded the streets in Fez, Tetouan, Tangier, and Sale on March 22nd despite the state of emergency imposed to restrict movement and stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. (See story and videos here) In response, Morocco’s government announced plans to extend the state of emergency for a month.

A statement from the government council on Sunday announced that Morocco's state of emergency will end on April 20, 2020.

The government council approved the draft law 2.20.292 that seeks strict legal actions against anyone who defies the state of emergency, in accordance with Article 81 of the 2011 Moroccan constitution.

Meanwhile, thousands of Moroccans took to social media to criticise the “irresponsible” actions of people .

Youssef El Kaidi, a professor at the University of Fez, believes the marches may have been coordinated demonstrations.

“I think the midnight marches that occurred simultaneously in several cities in Morocco is not a coincidence.”  - Youssef El Kaidi

Professor El Kaidi said the people who marched in several cities and chanted the same slogans “seem to have the same ideology and must be driven by the same agendas.” He described the idea to march in masses as a “suicidal act” that might increase the number of infections across Morocco.

“Therefore, the state should strike with an iron fist on all those disruptive voices who want to jeopardise the situation and break the exemplary unity and solidarity shown by all Moroccans since the early beginning of the crisis,” El Kaidi warned and emphasised that the best thing Moroccans can do is obey preventive measures and “stay at home.”

Washington-based media analyst Youssef Eddazi warned that Moroccans should comply with instructions and orders that authorities put in place. Speaking to Morocco World News, Eddazi said, “They have to understand that we are in this together. This is a very critical moment in the effort to slow the spread of the virus. Thus, enforcing social distancing and other measures must be taken seriously otherwise we will witness a total collapse of our health system,”

Soukayna Benjelloun, Vice President of the Regional Council of National Order of Architects in Tangier, remarked that such demonstrations “occur only in districts where the intellectual and socio-professional level is low.”

“Urban policy teaches us that precarious areas are often home to religious fanaticism, some forms of extremism and ignorance due to lack of means and resources,” she stressed.

She suggested the Moroccan government take advantage of statistics from the High Commission of Planning and put the areas under “high surveillance to repress any gathering” during the state of emergency, as the situation in Morocco grows more serious. “The state no longer has time to invest in awareness-raising,” she warned.

Benjelloun also said the state should ensure a protective role by “supplying people in need with food” and sanctioning those who do not want to respect preventive measures.

In addition to Benjelloun, a group of lawyers released a joint complaint against religious speakers, including Redouan Ben Abdeslam, “spiritual healer” (raqi) Achraf El Hayani, and El Monshid Tetouani.

The complaint submitted to the public prosecutors office condemns El Hayani, for “terrorist acts, disobedience” and for participating in unauthorised rallies as well as for not complying with the orders put in place amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

In response to the demonstrations, Morocco’s government approved the draft law 2.20.292 to impose legal actions against anyone who defies the state of emergency.

The government council approved the draft law 2.20.292 that seeks strict legal actions against anyone who defies the state of emergency, in accordance with Article 81 of the 2011 Moroccan constitution. Anyone who defies the state of emergency and the orders of Moroccan authorities will receive a sentence ranging between one to three months in prison. Convicted suspects will have to pay a fine ranging between MAD 300 to 1300 ($30 to $132).

Morocco declared a state of emergency on March 19. Citizens and residents can only go to work, buy essentials, or receive medical care with “exceptional movement permits” signed by local authorities.

The latest numbers
According to figures from the Ministry of Health, seven new cases of positive infection Covid-19 was registered on Monday March 23 at 11:00. This development brings the total number of people infected to 122.

The new cases are distributed as follows:

Casablanca-Settat (1), Fès-Meknès (2), Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (3) and Tanger-Téoutan-Al Hoceima (1)..

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Protests in Tangier, Tetouan and Fez over emergency measures

Groups of people in the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, and Fez took to the streets on March 21, defying Morocco’s state of emergency, under which citizens are not to leave their houses except for urgent cases to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The army and police have taken to the streets to restore order

Update

Morocco’s Health Ministry confirmed four additional cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Sunday, March 22, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 108.

The ministry detected two of the cases in Casablanca, one in Marrakech, and one in Rabat.

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Morocco Bans Intercity Travel

The Moroccan government has decided to prohibit all forms of intercity transportation

“As part of the declared state of a health emergency, it was decided to ban private and public means of transport between cities, starting on Saturday, March 21 at midnight,” -  statement from the Interior Ministry.

According to the same document, this prohibition does not apply to the transportation of goods and basic products which is carried out under normal and fluid conditions so as to meet the daily needs of citizens. Neither does it apply to travel for health and professional reasons proven by documents issued by administrations and establishments, added the ministry.

In the wake of the decision of the Ministry of Interior, Morocco’s airline Royal Air Maroc has also announced the suspension, until further notice, of all its domestic flights, in the application of the decision by the government of the Kingdom of Morocco regarding “the State of health emergency”.

Morocco to Suspend Intercity Buses
Bus stations will not sell any tickets for trips with an arrival time after Tuesday midnight.

After the suspension, transport companies should make their buses available at the disposition of local authorities if needed.

The decision comes after Morocco entered a state of emergency on Friday, March 20. The emergency declaration aims to limit citizens’ movement in order to control the COVID-19 spread in the country.

According to the new regulations, intercity travel will face unprecedented restrictions.

Following the suspension of buses, traveling between cities will only be possible via trains or private vehicles. However, traveliers will have to undergo checks from the authorities and provide justifications for their travel.

Train travel restricted
The National Office of Railways (ONCF) announced in a statement today, March 21, that it will limit train movement to specific destinations while suspending travel to all other destinations.

The travel ban will enter into force on Monday, March 23 at 11:59 p.m. The order comes in line with Morocco’s decision to ban inter-city travel during the state of emergency imposed on Friday, March 20.

ONCF added that it will provide minimum proximity trains linking Casablanca to Rabat and Kenitra, linking Casablanca and Mohammed V Airport, and linking Casablanca to Settat and El Jadida.

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Morocco records seven new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 86

The number of Morocco's coronavirus cases has risen dramatically over the past 24 hours, jumping from 65 on Thursday to 86 as of Friday night.

 Ministry of Health website www.covidmaroc.ma.

86 confirmed cases of contamination with the new coronavirus (Covid-19) have been reported in Morocco, according to information made available by the Ministry of Health. Two cases were reported in Casablanca and Tetouan, and  one in Rabat, Oujda and Sidi Slimane respectively.

The ministry reported three deaths and two recoveries, adding that the excluded cases following a negative test result are 385.

The ministry invites citizens to respect the rules of hygiene and health security as well as the preventive measures taken by the Moroccan authorities by showing responsibility and patriotism.

Morocco declared a state of health emergency on Thursday night. The decision entered into force as of Friday at 6 pm Moroccan time.

In a statement it issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Interior pointed out that Moroccan can enter leave their homes and enter public spaces only if the obtain an exceptional authorisation from the competent authorities.

This document will be delivered only to people who work for open administrations and establishments, including companies, factories, agricultural work, commercial facilities related to the daily life of citizens, pharmacies, banking and financial sectors, hydrocarbon supply stations, clinics and medical facilities, agencies of telecommunications companies, as well as essential liberal professions.

The “exceptional movement permits” allow residents to leave their homes for work, to make essential purchases, attend doctor appointments, and other emergencies. DOWNLOAD HERE

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Get an ‘Exceptional Movement Permit’ to Leave Your House

Moroccan citizens and residents can fill out and sign the form to use whenever they need to leave their homes.The Ministry of Interior also posted an e-version of the permit ready for download on its website.

The “exceptional movement permits” allow residents to leave their homes for work, to make purchases of necessity, attend doctor appointments, and emergencies.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Underage citizens are further restricted from using permits, specifies the Ministry in its press release. Legal guardians can fill out the form for underage citizens if need be.

The “exceptional movement permits” do not annul any work certificates employers in the public and private sectors have granted. But holders of work certificates can only use them to commute to work.

The “exceptional movement permits” will last indefinitely, until the end of the state of health emergency.

With Morocco recording its third fatality today, the government is taking increasing measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Moroccan authorities declared a state of health emergency that will go into effect today at 6 p.m.

Videos of military vehicles roaming city streets apparently to maintain order have circulated social media today.

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The Gnaoua Festival is postponed

After the series of cancellations of the season's festivals in Morocco, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival which was to take place from June 25 to 28, resists and merely postpones...

Neila Tazi says there is no question of canceling it, but of postponing it. Mawazine in Rabat, Timitar in Agadir and the Festival of Sacred Music of Fez, all confirmed their cancellations "in accordance with the preventive security measures recommended by the Moroccan authorities and the World Health Organisation which recommend the restriction of major demonstrations". For event organisers, there is no question of mobilising artists or generating costs when the situation is still so vague.

However, nothing yet on the Gnaoua Festival. The event which was to celebrate its entry into UNESCO during this new edition which was to take place June 25 to 28, refuses the cancellation. “The Festival will be postponed. We are in discussions with the public authorities and the authorities of Essaouira, with our partners and our service providers to decide on a date for the postponement. A date which will be communicated very soon, in a more favourable time for communication on this type of subject ”confides Neila Tazi, President of the Festival. “The Gnaoua Festival is not an animation festival but a real development project in a city. It's a very important festival. ” The date of the postponement will be communicated in the coming weeks.

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Morocco - State of Emergency Declared

The Moroccan Interior Ministry has declared a general state of health emergency throughout Morocco. This measure decrees total confinement at home of all citizens in prevention against the coronavirus, with the suspension of all movement in public space. It  takes effect from Friday March 20 at 6 p.m. until further notice

The state of emergency means that citizens cannot go out to public spaces without special authorisation from local authorities. Authorities provide permission for people who work in necessary sectors, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, medical clinics, telecommunications, and essential freelance activities.

Mobility is not limited for the purposes of buying daily groceries or medicines in one’s neighbourhood or for receiving medical care.

A press release from the Ministry of Interior announced that the state of public health emergency “does not mean stopping the economy, but taking exceptional measures that require limiting the movement of citizens, by requiring that people can only leave their homes if they are provided with an official document from state officials, in some to specific cases.”

The statement added that these cases are “mobility to work for government departments and institutions, including companies, factories, agricultural works, shops and commercial spaces related to the daily living of the citizen, pharmacies, the banking sector, petrol stations, clinics and medical clinics, and agencies of telecommunications companies, necessary liberal professions, and shops selling cleaning supplies.”

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Weather Warning for Morocco - Storms and Snow

Morocco’s Directorate of National Meteorology (DMN) reported today (March 19) that several regions of the country should expect snowfall, heavy thunderstorms, and strong gusts of wind through Friday, March 20.

Although the country is quickly approaching spring after a winter season marked by exceptionally low precipitation, orange-level snowfall (10-40 centimetres) and thunderstorms are headed for eastern Morocco.

Azilal, Al Haouz, Beni Mellal, Midelt, and Tinghir will experience orange-level snowfall and thunderstorms until noon on Friday, March 20, the DMN stated.

Heavy thunderstorms will also roll through Boulemane, Errachidia, Figuig, Khenifra, and Taza through Friday morning, the source added.

Meanwhile, Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Guercif, Driouch, El Hajeb, Ifrane, and Khouribga will sustain rain showers. DMN expects the showers to let up at around 6 a.m on Friday.

These downpours may be accompanied locally by hail and gusty thunderstorms, the DMN continued.

The DMN also warned of orange-level wind gusts (75-90 kilometers per hour) throughout the provinces of Fahs-Anjra, Mdiq-Fnideg, Tanger-Assilah, and Tetouan.

As the country’s east welcomes substantial precipitation, cities along Morocco’s Atlantic coast are relatively dry.

Although the Ministry of Agriculture has not yet declared a “drought year,” the Casablanca-Settat region has experienced a rainfall deficit of 78% compared to the previous season.

However, the coast can still expect scattered thunderstorms and rain showers through the end of this week and into the next.

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Morocco: Virus Update

Morocco’s Ministry of Health confirmed five new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on Wednesday, March 18, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Morocco to 49.  All new patients arrived in Morocco from foreign locations, including two French nationals who are now isolated at a hospital in Agadir to receive medical care

Health authorities detected the new cases in Tangier (2 cases), Oujda, Rabat, Settat, and Guelmim (one case each). The Pasteur Institute in Casablanca and the National Health Institute in Rabat confirmed the diagnoses after medical testing.

All the new patients are currently in quarantine in local hospitals, assures the ministry.

Morocco has recorded 49 cases of the virus, including two deaths and one full recovery. The two victims were an 89-year-old woman from Casablanca with preexisting health conditions and a 75-year-old man from Sale, near Rabat.

Morocco detected its first COVID-19 case on March 2 in Casablanca. Since then, authorities have escalated their preventive measures to control the spread of the epidemic.

 Members of the government donating a month’s salary

Moroccan parliamentarians and members of the government announced today, March 17, their contributions to King Mohammed VI’s Special Fund for the Management and Response to COVID-19.

In order to accelerate the operation of the fund and the provision of the necessary resources, members of the government will be donating a month’s salary to the initiative, a press release from the Department of the Head of Government reported.

The donations illustrate the government members’ commitment to fighting the coronavirus epidemic and its impacts, the statement added.

Meanwhile, members of the two houses of Parliament announced that they have donated their month-long allocations to the Special Fund.

“On the initiative of the leaders of groups and groupings and in coordination with the presidents of the two Chambers, Habib El Malki and Hakim Benchamach, the offices of the two institutions decided to commit themselves in favour of national mobilisation to fight against the risks and the fallout from the Covid-19,” a statement from the Parliament declared.

The statement added that the parliamentarians are inspired by the values ​​of solidarity and mutual aid that have always founded Moroccan society.

“In addition to this contribution, the parliament undertakes, in the name of national duty, to support developments that arise in connection with the health situation,” continued the Parliament’s statement.

King Mohammed VI ordered the creation of the Special Fund, initially worth over $1 billion, on March 15 to mitigate the social and economic effects of COVID-19. Since then, Moroccan institutions and cooperations have stepped with contributions, racking up an additional $1 billion.

Morocco’s OCP Group granted $310 million to the Fund, vowing to mobilise its human and financial capabilities to assist the government’s efforts to overcome the COVID-19 crisis.

Afriquia Gas contributed $103.5 million, while the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) donated $113.9 million.

Bank of Africa, owned by Moroccan billionaire Othman Benjelloun, decided to allocate its profit from the first quarter of 2020 as a contribution to the special fund.

Government members such as Minister of Industry Hafid Elalamy and Minister of Agriculture Aziz Akhannouch have each contributed millions of dollars.

Meanwhile, the 22 heads of Morocco’s public and private universities also announced their donation of one month’s salary to the benefit of the Special Fund for the Management and Response to COVID-19. All officials, general managers, and managers in the energy, minerals, and environment sectors have decided to contribute to the fund.

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Covid-19 Updates - 9 new confirmed cases in Morocco

Nine new confirmed cases of contamination with the new coronavirus (Covid-19) were recorded in Morocco, from the night of Sunday to Monday until 9 p.m. on Monday, March 16, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Kingdom to 38.

These are cases of infection from abroad, except for one suspected of having been infected by a person from abroad and tested positive for the virus, the ministry said in a statement.

Morocco’s Health Ministry announced the country’s second fatality due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Tuesday. The victim was a 75-year old Moroccan man from Sale, Rabat’s twin city.

The nine new cases were recorded in the cities of Meknes (1), Marrakech (2), Agadir (1), Fez (2), Rabat (2) and Casablanca (1).

Other news.

Coronavirus: Cancellation of the 16th Fez festival of Amazigh culture

The Fez-Saïss Association announced, Monday, March 16, the cancellation of the 16th edition of the Fez festival of Amazigh culture, scheduled from July 24 to 26. This decision was taken `` given the situation linked to the consequences of the coronavirus and in accordance with the recommendations of the competent authorities, '' said the association in a press release.

British Airways, Easy Jet, Ryan Air, TUI are to fly limited emergency commercial flights this week from Agadir and Marrakech.

Flights from Agadir until Thursday

Meanwhile in the souq...

The souq at R'Cifis eerily quiet, with many small stalls closed. There is an abundance of meat, fish and vegetables. Almost all the conversation is about the corona virus. But people are still shaking hands and only one man we saw was wearing a mask and rubber gloves.

And the cafes?  - All closed.

A popular cafe in R'Cif may be closed for weeks.

Tourists unable to leave Morocco should make a note of emergency numbers.

URGENT TRAVEL ADVICE UPDATE FOR AUSTRALIANS

A limited number of emergency commercial flights out of Morocco, from Agadir and Marrakech airports, will be running until the 19 March. The Australian Embassy says it has been working closely with its international partners to find out more information. We will be posting flight times shortly.

"Since these are commercial flights, we cannot unfortunately guarantee seats for Australians. Due to increasing international border closures, it is also possible that not all flights will go ahead as planned.

"We urge Australians to continue to explore commercial options to leave Morocco. We recognise the difficulty that you and other Australians around the world are facing.

Australians should register

We urge all Australians currently in Morocco to register, if they haven’t already, by sending their names and contact information (phone number, e-mail address, number of people, city in Morocco) to rabat@dfat.gov.au. This is to facilitate ongoing updates concerning travel advice.

Please keep monitoring our Facebook page today and Australian Government travel advice at:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/Morocco

Also note the Australian Government has a 24 hour emergency hotline to assist Australians overseas : +61 2 6261 3305

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Strict Conditions for Public Transport in Morocco

Public transport in Morocco to be available under strict conditions. Morocco has also launched disinfection operations to clean public transport and public spaces amid the spread of the coronavirus

The Ministry of Interior in Morocco has introduced new measures today related to public transportation, asking Moroccans to limit their use of it although it will remain in operation amid the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Public transport, including trams, buses, and taxis will continue to be available. The Ministry of Interior, however, warned citizens to take public transport only for emergencies.

The Ministry of Interior asked grand taxis to limit the number of passengers from the regular number of six to three.

Trams and buses should not allow more passengers than vehicles’ capacities. The ministry asked citizens to use public transport as little as possible, only for emergencies, according to the ministry.

Moroccan authorities also launched a disinfection operation to clean tram vehicles and other public transport means, including buses.

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Morocco to Close Restaurants, Cafes Monday Evening

A lot of Moroccans are going to be experiencing culture shock! The Ministry of Interior has informed citizens that restaurants and coffee shops will close in Morocco starting at 6 p.m. today until further notice.

Cafes are already very quiet in Fez Medina

The decision is the latest in a series of preventive measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

In addition to restaurants and coffeeshops, public hamams (traditional baths), movie theatres, clubs, gyms, sports stadiums, and theatres will also close until further notice.

Mosques to close

Morocco has also decided to close all mosques throughout Morocco amid the mounting fears of the spread of the Coronavirus.

The Academic Authority for Fatwa in the Supreme Scientific Council announced their decision to close all mosques amid the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) starting today.

The decision does not only affect Friday prayers but all the five daily prayers, the statement said.

Latest figures
Health authorities in Morocco confirmed the country’s 29th case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) today.

The ministry said that approximately 135 people tested negative for the virus in Morocco.

The number of positive cases jumped from 18 on Saturday, March 14, to 28 on Sunday, leaving people in the country anxious about a possible state of emergency.

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