Coronavirus: Number of confirmed cases in Morocco jumps to 86

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Morocco has jumped to 86. The new cases were confirmed, Saturday at 00h30, by the Health Ministry on its website: www.covidmaroc.ma.

 

On Friday, the ministry reported a coronavirus-related death, the third in the country.

 

The deceased patient is a 39-year-old man who came from abroad. According to press reports, his health condition was not life-threatening and he was not suffering from any chronic illness. His condition, however, suddenly deteriorated Thursday night.

The first coronavirus-related death is that of an 89-year-old Moroccan woman in Casablanca and the second is a 75-year-old man from Salé. Morocco also recorded two recoveries.

 

Morocco took a set of precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus and after the confirmation of local coronavirus cases, and in order to preserve the health and safety of the Moroccan society, it declared a state of health emergency.

 

The health emergency entered into effect Friday March 20 at 06:00 pm and will last until further notice. Citizens are not allowed to leave home unless they receive an authorization from local authorities to buy essentials or go to work.

 

The Interior Ministry explained that the state of health emergency does not mean stopping the economic activity, but rather taking exceptional measures imposing the limitation of the movement of citizens.

 

“Health emergency does not mean shutting down the economy,” it said, but rather exceptional measures to subject all movement to an authorization.

 

Therefore, anyone who wants to go to work, convenience shops or markets, banks, pharmacies, telecommunication agencies, petrol stations and other essential shops will need an authorization from local authorities.

 

The statement reassured that authorities will make sure that foodstuff and medicine supply will be ensured.