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Join on Telegram Rabat – Morocco’s government announced the highly anticipated shortening of the night curfew which will last from 11:00 p.m to 4:30 a.m. The new curfew will go into effect on Friday, May 21.
Morocco’s previous curfew lasted throughout Ramadan and spanned from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am, forcing businesses such as restaurants and cafes to shut their doors by 7:30 pm at the latest. The statement noted that these establishments will not be forced to close before the curfew begins at 11:00 pm.
The government stated that the previous health regulations banning large gatherings such as parties and demonstrations will still remain in place.
In the days before Eid al-Fitr, Morocco’s Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani announced that the government would continue to enforce the Ramadan lockdown measures. El Othmani noted the ongoing health situation as officials record new cases of COVID-19 daily.
Many Moroccans expressed their displeasure with the decision as the curfew impacted in-person prayers during Eid.
Although the health safety measures still prohibit large gatherings, many see the decision to shorten the curfew as a sign of Morocco’s post-pandemic transition.
The government has continued to place the safety of the public first and has remained vigilant in the fight against COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
Currently, Morocco is leading Africa in its vaccination campaign. As of May 19, nearly 13% of the population has been fully vaccinated and approximately 20% has received the first jab.
El Othmani stated that Morocco is working to achieve herd immunity through vaccinations and COVID-19 recoveries by the summer.
