Rabat – Morocco’s government will extend the state of emergency for potentially another month on Thursday, April 28.
A statement from the Head of Government office announced on Monday that the weekly cabinet council will examine on Thursday three draft decrees, including one on a COVID-19-linked state of emergency.
“The first [decree] will concern the period of validity of the state of a health emergency,” according to the statement.
Morocco has been extending the state of emergency for over two years since 2020 as part of its plan to combat the COVID-19 spread.
The state of emergency measure allows Moroccan authorities to take speedy action in case of any potential deterioration in the epidemiological situation.
Moroccan authorities also can ease COVID-19 restrictions as part of the state of emergency.
The North African country eased several restrictions, including those imposed in the previous holy month of Ramadan.
Last year in Ramadan, Morocco announced a night curfew and prohibited Taraweeh (extra evening prayers) at mosques. In 2020 Ramadan, Morocco allowed movement at night and Taraweeh prayers.
Cafes, restaurants, and public spaces are also opening their doors for customers, unlike in 2021 Ramadan.
However, Morocco’s government continues to urge citizens to abide by social-distancing measures in public, especially in highly crowded places.
The government has also been calling on citizens to contribute to Morocco’s goal of reaching herd immunity by getting vaccinated.
To date, Morocco has fully vaccinated 23, 282, 409 people. About 6, 243, 266 people have received the booster dose.
As of April 26, Morocco confirmed 1, 164, 774 cases, including 1, 148 ,310 recoveries, and 16, 066 deaths.
