Morocco declares health state of emergency to curb coronavirus spread

RABAT - Morocco has declared a health state of emergency and will restrict movement across the country from 6 p.m. on Friday to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus, the interior ministry said.

People may only leave their homes to buy food or medicine or go to work after receiving a permit from the authorities.

"The health state of emergency does not mean stopping the economy," said the interior ministry, adding that banks, petrol stations, pharmacies, telecom companies and other critical businesses will be able to operate.

Some Moroccans welcomed the move on social media, saying that it was the only way to prevent gatherings in populated areas, especially in major cities, especially Casablanca, while others were asking for more clarifications from the interior ministry.

Scores of Moroccans have already chosen to self-isolate in order to curb the spread of the virus while non-governmental organisations roamed the streets of several cities with loud speakers to raise awareness of the dangers of public gatherings, urging people not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

Streets have been deserted since Monday following the suspension of schools and universities across the North African country.

Morocco has confirmed 63 cases of the coronavirus, including two deaths. Most of the sick caught the virus abroad, but it has now also started to transmit within Moroccan cities.