Morocco: More public gatherings cancelled over Covid-19 concerns

More cultural events have been canceled in Morocco since the announcement of the agriculture ministry to skip organizing the international agricultural fair this year few hours after Morocco declared its first Covid-19 case.

A Moroccan coming from Italy was tested positive for the virus on Monday and containment measures have been applied to passengers on board the same flight as well as his contacts. So far, 33 people suspected of having the virus tested negative as Morocco’s health services continue to apply vigilant measures at different entry points to contain the virus.

As part of the same caution measures, several events have been canceled including Crans Montana forum in Dakhla, the national film festival in Tangier, a tea festival in Agadir and an almond festival in Tafraout.

A statement of the steering committee to deal with the virus said earlier that events and public gatherings would be canceled or postponed depending on the development of the pandemic worldwide.

Sports events have also been cancelled or delayed including the world championship of university sports in Marrakech, the Judo Grand prix in Rabat and the 2020 Morocco Cycling Tour, initially scheduled for April 9-18.

In the Maghreb, Tunisia registered a first case while infections in Algeria grew to eight cases.