Morocco extends state of emergency until July 10

RABAT - The Moroccan government said on Tuesday it will start easing restrictive measures imposed to curb coronavirus infections but delay a full lifting of the state of emergency until July 10.

A joint statement from the interior and health ministries was published Tuesday night a few hours after the government’s announcement.

The different provinces and prefectures have been divided into two relief zones and will be reclassified on a weekly basis, according to criteria set by the health authorities.

Morocco has been on lockdown since March 20. The gradual relaxation will take into account disparities in the infection rate between Moroccan regions, the government said in a statement.

Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani is expected to brief the parliament on Wednesday on the next steps.

Morocco had confirmed 8,437 coronavirus cases, including 210 deaths, by Tuesday evening, as the rise of hot spots within factories and families complicates efforts to curb contagion.