Morocco To Extend State of Emergency on Monday, August 23

Rabat – Morocco’s government is set to extend the state of emergency, which is running until September 10, to another month.

A statement from the head of government office announced that the cabinet council will discuss several draft decrees, including one related to the state of emergency on Monday, August 23.

The extension comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

To date, Morocco reported 772,394 COVID-19 cases, including 681,705 recoveries, and 11,242 deaths.

Morocco was among the first countries to announce a state of emergency after the outbreak of the pandemic in the country in March 2020.

The government has repeatedly extended the state of emergency, which will continue until September 10.

Under the state of emergency, security services take preventive measures depending on the epidemiological situation in the country.

Morocco took a variety of measures recently amid the increase in COVID-19. The measures include banning weddings and public gatherings.

The country also ordered closure of covered swimming pools and gyms.

A night curfew is also implemented from 9 pm to 5 am every day. Additionally, the government issued a travel ban to and from the three cities of Agadir, Marrakech, and Casablanca, only allowing access to people with a valid vaccination card.

Monday’s government council will also discuss other draft decrees, including one related to the implementation of Articles 32 and 35 of the law relating to the legal uses of cannabis.

Earlier this year, Morocco approved a bill to allow use of cannabis for therapeutic usage.