Coronavirus: Thousands of homeless people offered shelter to avoid their contamination

Moroccan authorities have provided emergency shelters to 6,324 homeless people to protect them against the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far infected over 5500 people in the country and killed 183, while 2124 others survived the deadly virus.

In a videoconference speech marking the 63rd anniversary of the national mutual aid agency, l’Entraide Nationale, the minister of solidarity and family Mrs. Jamila El Moussali said 2,060 homeless people were able to reunite with their families during the difficult times of the coronavirus lockdown which has been extended by another month untill May 20 to curb the spread of the virus.

The anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the work and achievements of the various delegations of l’Entraide Nationale throughout Morocco to fight the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable communities, including homeless people.

The minister also highlighted the National Mutual Aid Agency’s 2019 contribution in providing social services to more than 500,000 people in need, with the collaborative help of more than 4,000 centers and institutions and more than 3,000 organizations.

On March 22, El Moussali had announced that the Moroccan government had launched a set of initiatives to provide shelters for homeless people amid the outbreak of COVID-19 and the country’s state of emergency.

The Minister stressed the need to invest in the accommodation for homeless people, saying it’s high time to address the situation of these vulnerable people after the coronavirus crisis to prevent their return to the street once the lockdown ends.