COVID-19: Confinement in Morocco to last for another month till May 20

The Moroccan government has extended for another month a countrywide confinement to stop the spread of the coronavirus, meaning people will have to stay home during the holy month of Ramadan.

A joint statement of the health and the interior ministries said that the same protective and security measures imposed since March 20 will be enforceable until May 20.

The statement reassured citizens regarding the availability of foodstuff supply covering the month of Ramadan and beyond, as Ramadan is usually characterized by high consumption.

A cabinet meeting, convened on Saturday under the chairmanship of Head of government Saad Dine El Otmani, adopted the draft decree extending the state of health emergency.

Morocco has taken a series of measures gradually to avert a surge in coronavirus infections. Before imposing the lockdown it has closed its borders to passenger traffic and banned inter-city travel as well as closing schools, mosques, cafes and restaurants and entertainment venues.

The measures have helped Morocco spare thousands of deaths and prepare its health system to deal with coronavirus patients.

Social measures have also been taken with the creation of a special fund offering compensations to those who had to stop work because of the virus.

Textile manufacturers and aeronautics suppliers have been encouraged to produce masks and ventilators respectively.

Total coronavirus cases rose as of Saturday to 2685, including 137 deaths and 314 recoveries.