The decision falls within the measures Morocco is adopting to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Rabat – Morocco’s local authorities in Fez announced strict new measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. Shops, cafes, and hair salons will not be able to operate beyond evening hours.
A source from the local authorities in Fez confirmed to Moroccan outlet 2M that shops and cafes will close at 8 p.m. everyday.
“The decision is linked to the worrying epidemiological situation, which has witnessed an increase in the number of cases in the last days in Fez.”
2M’s source said there is a fear that a barber shop could turn into a hotspot, spreading the coronavirus a few days before Eid Al Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice.
Morocco will celebrate Eid Al Adha on July 31.
The source did not give 2M details on when Moroccan authorities will lift the decision.
“It will be an open decision“ until Morocco announces otherwise, when the COVID-19 situation improves in Fez.
Morocco’s government announced on Sunday a decision to suspend all travel from and to eight major cities to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including Fez.
The list of cities concerned includes Casablanca, Marrakech, Tetouan, and Tangier, Fez, Meknes, Settat, and Berrechid.
The moves come in response to the notable increase of COVID-19 cases. Morocco confirmed 609 COVID-19 cases on July 27. Morocco also reported three more deaths and 491 recoveries.
The total number of cases in Morocco reached 20,997, including 16,553 recoveries.
The Fez-Meknes region has recorded 2,757 infections to date. Casablanca-Settat tops the list with 5,278 infections, followed by Tangier-Tetouan Al Hoceima (4,844), and Marrakech-Safi (3,350).
Rabat-Sale,Kenitra has registered 2,235 cases, followed by Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra (831), Draa-Tafilalet (620), and the Oriental (407).