Rabat – Judicial police arrested on Friday in Guelmim, southern Morocco, three suspects for their alleged links with a criminal network active in international drug trafficking.

Police seized from the houses of suspects, aged 34 and 36, a car, four GPS devices, cell phones, and a satellite phone.

Investigation within the framework of the case enabled police to arrest another suspect at a farm in Tagant, 35 kilometers from Guelmim, said a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN).

Security operations at the farm enabled police to seize 104 bales of drugs containing nearly three tons of cannabis, an inflatable boat, outboard motors, and marine navigation devices.

#مكافحة_تهريب_المخدرات
تفكيك شبكة إجرامية بضواحي كلميم، وحجز 2 طن و940 كيلوغرام من مخدر الشيرا، ومعدات للملاحة البحرية والاتصال عبر الأقمار الاصطناعية، في عملية أمنية مشتركة بين الشرطة القضائية ومصالح المديرية العامة لمراقبة التراب الوطني. pic.twitter.com/9zvMatPskI

— DGSN MAROC (@DGSN_MAROC) July 24, 2020

Police put the suspects in custody to determine the potential ramifications of the activities as well as to arrest other possible suspects involved in the case.

Cannabis is one of the most common drugs used in Morocco. Security services continue to regularly abort drug trafficking operations across the country.

One of the most recent operations took place on July 19, when police aborted a drug trafficking operation and seized 4.85 tons of cannabis resin.

Crackdowns on drug trafficking activities resulted in the seizure of 180,000 tons of cannabis and its derivatives last year, according to the 2019 DGSN report on crimes.

Security services also arrested more than 420,000 suspects on charges of drug trafficking last year.

Approximately 331,000 suspects carried drugs at the time of the arrest, while nearly 90,000 were arrested after the issuance of warrants.

The post Police Arrest 3 for International Drug Trafficking in Southern Morocco appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat – The Moroccan Ministry of Health reported 570 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recorded in the country since the beginning of the outbreak to 18,834.

With an additional 228 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the recovery count stands at 16,100. The recovery rate is now 85.48%.

The total number of deaths is now 299, with seven new fatalities in the last 24 hours. The mortality rate stands at 1.59%.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Morocco now stands at 2,435.

Approximately 1,086,437 suspected COVID-19 cases have tested negative since the outbreak of the virus in Morocco.

The ministry declared that the monitoring of individuals who have made contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients reached a total of 100,666 people.

This includes 13,215 who are still under medical surveillance, which should last 14 days.

COVID-19 cases spread by region

The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region recorded 207 new cases. The region’s total number of recorded cases now represents 21.97% of all cases Morocco has recorded.

The Casablanca-Settat region recorded 206 cases in the last 24 hours to cover 24.75% of the cases in Morocco. The Fez-Meknes region follows with 80 new cases (12.87%).

The region of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra recorded 24 new cases, with a total of 11.42% of Morocco’s cases.

The Marrakech-Safi region reported 21 new cases to represent 16.56% of all cases in Morocco. 

Meanwhile, 23 new cases appeared in the Oriental region, now accounting for 2.07% of Morocco’s cases.

Five cases emerged in the southern region of Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, while the Draa-Tafilalet region recorded two, to cover 0.31% and 3.20% of the country’s cases, respectively.

Meanwhile, the regions of Laayoune and Souss Massa only recorded one new case each, their totals accounting for a respective 4.42% and 0.57% of Morocco’s cases.

The post Morocco Confirms 570 New COVID-19 Cases, 7 Deaths in 24 Hours appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Health, Khalid Ait Taleb, declared today that there is no genetic mutation in the virus causing COVID-19 following a recent increase in cases, severe symptoms, and deaths in some areas.

The minister explained to Moroccan state media that the epidemiological situation in Morocco does not differ in any way from the situation internationally.

Ait Taleb clarified that the genome of the strain of coronavirus in Morocco, namely COVID-19, is the same as the one that appeared at the beginning of the outbreak, on March 2.

The minister said the country has “very interesting and encouraging” indicators. Nevertheless, he acknowledged Morocco’s rising number of deaths related to COVID-19, and cases with severe symptoms, in the cities of Tangier, Fez, Rabat, and Casablanca.

In more detail, Ait Taleb said that several studies have shown there is no genetic mutation of the virus, and therefore it cannot relate to the rise in the number of deaths or cases with severe symptoms.

To back up his assertion, the minister attributed the inflation in part to the recent “indolence” of some regarding compliance with the preventive measures against COVID-19.

He referenced the beginning of Morocco’s third phase of easing its lockdown in Morocco.

This societal development, according to the official, allowed the virus to reach vulnerable individuals who already suffer underlying illnesses or comorbidities.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Morocco with severe symptoms is 46 as of today, July 24, while the number of COVID-19-related deaths stands at 299. 

The Ministry of Health reported seven additional fatalities in the last 24 hours, which is higher than many daily reports over recent months.

The COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms include 20 in the region of Casablanca-Settat, followed by 15 in the region of Marrakech-Safi. There are five in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.

Meanwhile, the region of Fez-Meknes hosts four severe cases, followed by Rabat-Sale-Kenitra with two severe cases.

The sudden inflation in the number of deaths led Moroccan authorities to adopt certain measures to tackle the phenomenon.

These included the interdiction of the prayer of Eid Al Adha on the morning of July 31, which gathers large groups of worshippers.

The post Minister: No Genetic Mutation Behind Morocco’s Rising COVID-19 Deaths appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat – According to Euler Hermes, Moroccan businesses, and others worldwide, face a high risk of bankruptcy in the currently precarious economic environment.

The international credit insurance company predicts that businesses in Morocco will see a 14% increase in failures this year — more than double the 6% increase that the country experienced in 2019. 

According to the credit insurance company’s report, approximately 9,620 Moroccan businesses could file for bankruptcy in 2020. Between 2019 and 2021, failures in Morocco could increase by 25%. 

While the situation seems grim for Moroccan businesses, other parts of the world will face even greater risk of bankruptcy. Between 2019 and 2021, Euler Hermes expects the Asia Pacific region to see 31% more failures. Increases in Western Europe will vary across the region, but will average 32%. Morocco’s main economic partners, Spain and France, will face an increase of 41% and 25% respectively. 

As cases continue to skyrocket in the United States, it may come as no surprise that the North American country is expected to see the largest increase, of 57% business failures, during this period of time. 

Euler Hermes reports that business failures globally will reach their highest levels since 2009. In total, the firm expects worldwide failures to increase by 35% between 2019 and 2021 — which translates to 17% more insolvencies in 2020 and 16% in 2021. 

Due to closed commercial courts or frozen bankruptcy registration procedures, Euler Hermes notes that the wave of collapse will be most pronounced in the second half of 2020 and the first half of 2021. Despite the already widespread job loss and economic turmoil presented since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, temporary state support plans, acting as a shock absorber, likely delay the more challenging times ahead. 

The company states that if governments stop support measures prematurely, the increase in business failures could shoot up to 40% or 45% between 2019 and 2021. They also report a worse case scenario — if the global economy takes longer than expected to bounce back from its current crisis, insolvencies could potentially reach 85% to 95%.

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Rabat – Morocco’s MAD 120 billion ($12.84 billion) stimulus package, announced by King Mohammed VI, will be separated into two main parts.

The budget includes MAD 45 billion ($4.81 billion) for strategic investment in major projects and MAD 75 billion ($8.02 billion) for facilitating the access to business financing, Minister of Economy Mohamed Benchaaboun announced.

King Mohammed VI first announced Morocco’s stimulus package on Wednesday, July 29, in his Throne Day speech.

“Some 120 billion dirhams will be injected into the national economy, representing 11% of our GDP — a proportion that will place Morocco at the forefront of the most enterprising countries in terms of post-crisis stimulus packages,” the King said.

The minister announced the budget’s division during a press conference on Tuesday, August 4.

The investment budget of MAD 45 billion will be spent in the form of thematic funds relating to certain vital sectors, Benchaaboun announced.

MAD 15 billion ($1.6 billion) will go towards the COVID-19 special fund to be reinvested in vital sectors. Meanwhile, the package will inject MAD 30 billion ($3.21 billion) into the economy through public-private partnerships.

Easier access to loans

The remaining MAD 75 billion will facilitate access to state-guaranteed investment loans, with lower interest rates. The budget would allow businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to relaunch their activities, as well as encourage entrepreneurs to begin projects.

The Moroccan government will adopt a decree-law in its next meeting to manage the overall MAD 120 billion. The legal text would put in a place a strategic fund and a committee to supervise it.

Besides detailing the stimulus package, Morocco’s minister of economy announced the upcoming signing of two agreements this week.

The first agreement, between the General Confederation of Enterprises in Morocco (CGEM) and the Professional Grouping of Banks in Morocco (GPBM), concerns business loans.

The second agreement concerns tourism and other sectors that were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, Benchaaboun revealed, without disclosing further details.

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Rabat – Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) reported a slight leak of a biodegradable insulating liquid at reserve submarine cable number four, owned jointly by ONEE and Spanish company Red Electrica de Espana (REE).

The cable secures the electrical connection between Morocco and Spain.

A statement from ONEE said the incident had no impact on the normal operation of the first and second connections in service, which provide marine electrical connectivity between the Maghreb and European networks.

The statement said the damaged cable was an emergency link and was out of service since 2018 due to a collision caused by a fishing vessel.

A specialized company then implemented the first phase of repair, which sought to stop the leakage of liquid at a depth of approximately 500 meters.

ONEE and the Spanish company secured a specialized ship urgently equipped with the necessary equipment to monitor the leakage site on Monday at a depth of approximately 200 meters.

“Efforts are underway in complete coordination between the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water and the Spanish company for the final reform of this malfunction,” ONEE said.

According to Europa Sur, the electrical interconnection between Morocco and Spain is made up of two 400 kV (kilovolt) lines. They were put into service in 1997 and 2006, respectively.

The lines include seven cables, including three for each circuit and one reserve cable.

“The seven cables are run from the Tarifa terminal station, at the Spanish end, to the Furious terminal station, at the Moroccan end,” reported the news outlet.

Moroccan electricity exports to Spain exceeded 1,207 GWh in 2019, according to statistics from Red Electrica de Espana.

The number represents an increase of more than 570% between 2018 and 2019.

Morocco’s electricity exports to Spain in 2018 reached only 180 GWh.

The post Morocco Reports Small Leak in Spain-Morocco Submarine Electrical Cable appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat – The government of Morocco is set to begin working on the project of generalizing social security to cover all Moroccans on January 1, 2021, Minister of Economy Mohamed Benchaaboun announced.

The government will work on the project alongside that of job loss compensation, Benchaaboun said in a press conference on Tuesday, August 4.

During the conference, the minister of economy presented the measures the government is set to take in response to directives King Mohammed VI issued in his Throne Day speech.

Generalized social security in Morocco was one of the King’s main calls on July 29.

“I … believe the time has come to launch a decisive process for the expansion of social welfare coverage to all Moroccans within the next five years,” the monarch said.

“This project needs to be implemented gradually, as of January 2021, using a well thought-out plan, starting with compulsory health coverage and family allowances, then moving on to pension and unemployment benefits,” he added.

Read also: Full Text of King Mohammed VI’s 21st Throne Day Speech

Benchaaboun assured that the project will start in 2021, especially since one-third of Moroccan citizens do not benefit from social security.

At the beginning of 2022, the project will finish its planning phase and be ready for gradual implementation, Benchaaboun pledged.

The plan is set to include all Moroccans in the Compulsory Health Insurance (AMO) program, the minister said. However, citizens will have the right to complement the state-supported medical coverage with private insurance, he added.

Benchaaboun gave a series of explanations for how Morocco’s generalized social security system would work and be financed.

For instance, independent workers who are not affiliated to a company would have to pay a single professional contribution, depending on their revenue.

“All the contributions and the taxes of these workers will be gathered in a single fund which will offer them all social services,” Benchaaboun said.

Public sector reform

In his recent speech, King Mohammed VI also called for a reform of public institutions to increase their economic and social effectiveness.

“A sweeping reform of the civil service should be expedited, and the structural deficiencies of public institutions and state enterprises should be addressed to achieve optimal integration and increase these institutions’ economic and social effectiveness,” the King said.

Commenting on the directive, Benchaaboun agreed that many public enterprises and establishments face difficulties in creating jobs. However, he also highlighted the contribution of some public institutions with investments exceeding MAD 100 billion ($10.7 billion).

Read also: King Mohammed VI Calls for Generalized Social Security in Morocco

The reform, Benchaaboun said, should mainly target public institutions that are purely administrative and do not create wealth.

These institutions “live off state aid that reaches MAD 36 billion ($3.85 billion) per year, and concrete solutions must be found to manage them,” the minister added.

Some of the institutions are “outdated” and Morocco can “do without them,” Benchaaboun said.

To address the issue, the minister, reiterating the calls of King Mohammed VI, announced the creation of a national agency to ensure the strategic management of public institutions and to monitor their performance.

To reduce the number of public institutions, Benchaaboun suggested the creation of homogeneous poles that work in similar sectors. He gave the example of the National Railway Office (ONCF) and the National Company of Motorways of Morocco (ADM), which can merge into a single pole.

“These poles will have their own accounts and therefore can make significant, synergized investments. The synergy would give productive results,” Benchaaboun predicted.

The post Morocco’s Government to Work on Social Security Reform Starting 2021 appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat – Walt Disney World’s EPCOT highlights Morocco in its latest limited edition collection of poster art. The poster, a collectable serigraph, depicts the Moroccan pavilion at the Orlando, Florida theme park’s World Showcase. 

Part of the “Wonderous World Collection II,” Disney will sell only 300 of the original posters. Morocco is one of 11 countries featured in Disney’s World Showcase at the EPCOT theme park, opened in 1982.

The park’s name, EPCOT, is an acronym for the Experimental Prototype Community for Tomorrow. It seeks to offer visitors an authentic experience of the various countries’ architecture, cultural heritage, and people.

The design of the Moroccan pavilion, established in 1984, features an entrance that replicates Fez’s Bab Boujloud gate and the medina to which it leads. 

Accordingly, the poster highlights these exhibit features and includes a depiction of a minaret, palm trees, and items that might be found shopping in a local bazaar. 

While other country pavilions are sponsored by corporations, the Moroccan government funded the exhibit and aided in the design of the pavilion. Moroccan artisans worked on site for more than six months to design and piece together the many mosaics that color the space. 

With a replica of a traditional home surrounded by citrus trees, date palms, olive trees, and fountains, Disney considers the Morocco showcase the most “authentic” pavilion in the World Showcase. 

The pavilion includes replicas of Rabat’s Chellah and Marrakech’s Koutoubia Mosque, as well as restaurants serving traditional Moroccan cuisine.

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Rabat – Morocco’s kickboxing star Badr Hari will rematch Dutch Glory champion Rico Verhoeven in December 2020.

The official website of the Glory competition announced the news last week.

“GLORY is also pleased to reveal it is in planning stages for the biggest card in the history of kickboxing in December 2020,” the statement said.

The competition’s website explained the event will feature the “best heavyweight fighters” in the world, including Verhoeven, Hari, and Morocco’s Jamal Ben Saddik.

All of the champions will compete on the same night.

The Hari-Verhoeven rematch will be the third of its kind after the Moroccan champion suffered two defeats due to injuries.

The latest loss was in December 2019. Fans experienced an unfriendly moment when Hari sustained a leg injury during his fight with Verhoeven.

Hari has been intensively working out for his comeback to the ring since his defeat.

The Moroccan champion expressed determination to meet Rico again in a new rematch to settle the unfinished business.

Verhoeven invited Hari for a second rematch after recovery.

Following his leg injury, Verhoeven expressed his support for Hari and well wishes for his recovery.

“Due to injury the legend couldn’t continue the fight and that sucks that sucks a lot … because I never got this close to losing a fight like this,” he said in a social network post in December.

After his supportive message, Rico said he hopes to see Hari again.

“We’ll meet again,” he said.

The post Rematch: Moroccan Kickboxer Badr Hari to Face Rico Verhoeven in December appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Health has confirmed 1,021 more COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. This brings the total number of cases Morocco has recorded to 27,217.

Health authorities were able to identify 755 of these cases through the monitoring of people who made contact with confirmed COVID-19 carriers.

Morocco also recorded an additional 661 recoveries in the last 24 hours. The recoveries count now stands at 19,629, with a recovery rate of 72.12%.

The ministry recorded 16 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The total number of deaths stands at 417, with a mortality rate of 1.53%.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stands now at 7,171.

Approximately 1,311,772 suspected COVID-19 cases have tested negative since the virus emerged in Morocco.

COVID-19’s geographical dispatch

Health authorities in the Fez-Meknes region confirmed 165 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The region’s total now represents 16.14% of all cases the country has recorded.

The region of Marrakech-Safi recorded 114 new cases, now representing 14.27% of Morocco’s case count.

The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region registered 179 new cases to cover 23.69% of the cases in Morocco. 

The Casablanca-Settat region confirmed 422 (25.59%).

The Rabat-Sale Kenitra region recorded 67 new cases, now accounting for 9.84% of Morocco’s cases.

The region of Draa-Tafilalet recorded 19 new COVID-19 cases, to cover 2.78% of all COVID-19 cases registered in Morocco.

The Oriental region recorded 16 additional cases (1.86%).

The Beni Mellal-Khenifra confirmed 22 new cases to account for 1.26% of all COVID-19 cases recorded in Morocco.

Meanwhile, the region of Souss-Massa confirmed 13 new cases to represent  0.57% of Morocco’s cases.

Finally, the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region recorded four new COVID-19 cases, now representing 0.33% of Morocco’s cases.

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Rabat – In accordance with COVID-19 state of emergency measures, bus transportation between Casablanca and Mohammedia is temporarily suspended on the M01, 800, and 900 routes as of this morning, August 4. 

Alsa Al Baida bus company’s manager of urban transport for the greater Casablanca region announced the decision regarding the route connecting Mohammedia on Monday evening, August 3, according to Le360. 

The suspension of bus transport between the adjoining cities follows a recent travel ban to and from eight major cities including Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Fez, Meknes, Berrechid, Settat, and Marrakech.

The restrictions came in response to a recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases. 

Despite Alsa Al Baida’s suspension of bus transport, car trips between Casablanca and Mohammedia are still permitted. However, they are subject to security checks and may require travel authorization issued by the relevant authorities. 

At 6 p.m. on August 4, Morocco announced 1021 new COVID-19 cases within the past 24 hours, bringing the total case count in the country to 27,217. 

The Casablanca-Settat region hosts 89 of the country’s newest confirmed cases. It also represents the largest percentage of cases in Morocco, amounting to 24.98% of all cases recorded as of Monday evening. 

Over the past week, Morocco has seen a significant rise in cases compared to figures reported since the start of the pandemic. On August 4, the ministry recorded the highest daily death count since the virus emerged in the country on March 2. 

With a record 19 fatalities within 24 hours between August 3 and 4, and recent case counts ranging between 500 and over 1000, authorities have tightened their grip on travel and revisited certain restrictions in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

Yesterday, the National Railway Office (ONCF) issued a press release which reinforced the need for special movement permits in order to exit train stations.

In addition, Morocco’s Ministry of Health called on medical staff currently on leave to return to work within 48 hours in order to support medical facilities treating COVID-19 patients.

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Rabat – Morocco’s government has announced its decision to reimpose firm lockdown measures, starting Wednesday, in the Tangier-Asilah and Fez provinces due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the two cities.

The government released a statement this evening, August 4, to announce the news, emphasizing that the decision is part of the country’s approach to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The restrictions include the necessity for citizens to carry an exceptional movement permit to be able to travel to and from the two cities.

Authorities also banned all forms of gatherings.

All shops, cafes, and commercial centers should close at 10 p.m.

Restaurants should close their doors at 11 p.m.

Authorities will also ban access to beaches and public spaces, such as gardens, sports complexes, and fields.

Public transport in the two provinces will reduce their capacity to 50%.

Residential neighborhoods with COVID-19 hotspots

 Morocco’s government also decided to close access points with COVID-19 hotspots.

Movement to or from the concerned neighborhoods in both cities will require residents to carry an exceptional movement permit from local authorities.

Shops, cafes, and restaurants in the concerned neighborhoods will have to shut their doors at 8 p.m.

All commercial markets in the area should close at 4 p.m.

The government decided to close hammams and beauty salons in the concerned neighborhoods.

In the announcement statement, the government called on all citizens to strictly adhere to the preventive measures and to show responsibility to ensure the success of the campaign to combat COVID-19.

The government warned that it will take all appropriate actions against anyone breaching the preventive guidelines, including the wearing of face masks in public.

Morocco has been recording hundreds of COVID-19 cases on a daily basis in recent weeks.  The surge in cases brought the total number of infections registered since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country to 27,217 as of August 4.

The total number of recoveries reached 19,629, while death toll from the virus reached 417.

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Doha-based NGO Qatar Charity has made a financial contribution to Morocco’s Special Fund for the Management and Response to COVID-19.

The embassy of Qatar in Rabat facilitated the transfer of the aid package to Morocco’s coronavirus response fund, according to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The assistance for Morocco aligns with Qatar Charity’s campaign to support several countries’ COVID-19 response and occurred in coordination with government authorities.

Qatar Charity launched its “Call of Humanity” initiative in March to support efforts to combat the pandemic across the globe.

King Mohammed VI ordered the creation of Morocco’s COVID-19 response fund on March 15 to strengthen the country’s health infrastructure and mitigate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. The King established the fund with an initial sum of MAD 10 billion ($1 billion). 

The fund has since more than tripled in size thanks to contributions from public and private sector institutions and individuals, and from foreign governments and institutions.

Prior to its donation to Morocco’s efforts, Qatar Charity had supported initiatives benefiting almost 1.5 million people around the world through its COVID-19 Call of Humanity campaign.

The humanitarian and development organization describes Call of Humanity as its largest relief campaign ever, running simultaneously in 34 countries. 

The initiative aims to “restore calmness and enable the most vulnerable groups to overcome this hardship, and support the health sector to withstand this epidemic and stop it.”

Qatar Charity has offices in 30 countries and partnerships in 20 others, according to its official website. Over the past five years, it has helped approximately 29 million beneficiaries through initiatives totaling $1.2 billion.

The organization offered financial support to Moroccan families affected by flooding around Guelmim in 2014. As the only non-Moroccan agency to intervene in the crisis, its initial contribution amounted to $100,000. 

Qatar Charity claimed the “Arab Best Charity” award at the November 2017 “Arab Best Award” event in Marrakech.

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Rabat – Money transfer agency Cash Plus has launched the “Cash Plus Mobile Wallet” application, offering its customers the opportunity to open a free mobile account and benefit from its services online.

The application also allows users to carry out transactions, receive transfers, pay bills, locate Cash Plus agencies, refill phone credit, and more.

The new Cash Plus Mobile Wallet application has an M-Wallet, which allows users to easily manage their account.

In addition, Cash Plus is offering customers its multifunction rechargeable card for their payment account, reports Moroccan state media.

Customers can make payments at various physical or e-merchants. They can also make withdrawals at Cash Plus branches or from ATMs of all banks in Morocco.

The card can be picked up from Cash Plus agencies.

The launch of the Cash Plus application is part of the national strategy for financial inclusion and generalization of payment solutions, according to the same source.

Morocco’s central bank, Bank Al Maghrib (BAM), and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) initiated the strategy.

Cash Plus has obtained the approval of Bank Al Maghrib to exercise activities such as opening payment accounts and issuing means of payment.

The Cash Plus initiative adds to those of several other companies that adopted remote services in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, several Moroccan banks promoted remote services as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19.

This includes Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP). The institution offered free online services until June 30, allowing local customers, Moroccans residing abroad, and professionals to transfer money through the Chaabi Net website and Pocket Bank mobile application.

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Rabat – King Mohammed VI has sent a message of condolences and compassion to Lebanese President Michel Aoun following the massive explosion in the port of Beirut.

The blast, which occurred on Tuesday, August 4, killed at least 100 people, injured 4,000, and many victims remain missing.

In his message, the King presents his “deep condolences” and “sincere feelings of compassion” to the Lebanese President and to the “grieving families.”

The Moroccan sovereign prayed that God will “grant the Lebanese President and the relatives of the victims patience and comfort, and speedy recovery to the injured.”

On behalf of the Moroccan people, King Mohammed VI expressed solidarity with Lebanon, assuring Aoun that Morocco stands alongside the Lebanese people.

At the end of his message, the King shared his wishes of security, tranquility, and stability.

Ammonium nitrate explosion

The explosion that shook the Lebanese capital Beirut took place in the city’s port on Tuesday afternoon. Footage shared on social media showed that the port was on fire before a massive blast occurred.

According to international news outlets, the blast damaged buildings across a 10 kilometers radius.

Soon after the blast, Lebanese Minister of Health Hamad Hasan said a shipment of firecrackers likely caused the explosion.

However, hours later, the head of Lebanese General Security stated the explosion was linked to approximately 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate. According to him, the government confiscated the explosive material six years ago and stored it at the port.

The Lebanese Supreme Defense Council has opened an investigation to determine the precise circumstances of the explosion, vowing “maximum punishment for those responsible.”

The Mediterranean country declared a three-day mourning period.

The post King Mohammed VI Sends Condolences Message After Beirut Explosion appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat – The agency of Morocco’s flag carrier, Royal Air Maroc, was among the buildings that suffered serious damage due to the explosion that rocked Beirut, Lebanon on August 4.

Images and videos of the Royal Air Maroc agency show chairs flipped over, while windows and other equipment appear shattered and destroyed.

The massive explosion in Beirut caused damage throughout the nearby region, destroying houses, buildings, and vehicles.

The explosion has left more than 200,000 people in Beirut homeless. Lebanese celebrities, including singers Haifa Wehbe and Elissa, shared photos and videos of their houses that are now destroyed.

The death toll has reached 100, while at least 4,000 have been wounded, according to the latest updates on August 5.

One of the wounded victims is a Moroccan woman, who is now suffering from a broken foot.

The woman, who works for a United Nations body in Beirut, is receiving treatment at a health facility.

The Moroccan Embassy in Beirut vowed to closely follow the situation of the Moroccan community residing in Lebanon’s capital in the wake of the explosion.

Moroccans in the region can call the embassy in case of any need during working hours.

The numbers available to receive citizens’ calls are: 0096176730612/ 05924751/ 05924752/ 05924753/ 05924754

Read Also: King Mohammed VI Sends Condolence Message After Beirut Explosion

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Rabat – Mouad El Mourabit, the coordinator of Morocco’s National Center for Emergency Operations in Public Health, has announced that wearing face masks inside cars is not mandatory.

During the Ministry of Health’s weekly updates on the COVID-19 situation in Morocco, El Mourabit said: “If you are alone in your vehicle, wearing a mask makes no sense.”

He added that Morocco’s citizens and residents do not need to wear a mask around members of their own household.

“Today, law requires wearing a face mask [in public], however,” he said.

Morocco’s government announced the decision to make the wearing of face masks in public mandatory on April 6 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The decision took effect a day later.

Read also: Health Minister: Moroccans Must Wear Face Masks to Curb COVID-19

Since the announcement, Morocco’s government has issued numerous statements warning of the penalties that violators could face for failing to abide by the preventive health measure.

Violators may face prison sentences ranging from one to three months and a fine between $29 and $126, or one of these two penalties.

The government warned that the decision is in line with national efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Due to a growing pattern of non-respect for the preventive measures, Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior issued a press release on July 25 warning about the importance of wearing masks in public.

The statement said: “Anyone who violates this provision is liable to the penalties provided for in Article 4 of Decree-Law No. 2.20.292, which provides for a prison sentence of one to three months and a fine varying between 300 and 1,300 dirhams, or one of the two penalties without prejudice to the most severe criminal penalty.”.

The interior ministry issued the press release after a sharp increase in Morocco’s COVID-19 cases.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Morocco has reached 27,217 to date, including 19,628 recoveries and 417 deaths.

The number of active cases reached has 7,171. The notable increase of cases prompted the government to strengthen lockdown measures in several cities where hotspots emerged.

The cities with tightened restrictions include Tangier, Tetouan, Fez, Meknes, Casablanca, Settat, Berrechid, and Marrakech.

Read also: COVID-19: Morocco Enforces Requirement to Wear Face Masks

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Rabat – The past week, from July 27 to August 2, was “the worst week” since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco, the Ministry of Health said Tuesday.

“The number of cases is increasing. The number of deaths is increasing. The number of patients in critical condition is increasing. It was a bad week,” said Mouad Mrabet, a coordinator at the National Center for Public Health Emergency Operations, affiliated to the Ministry of Health.

Mrabet made the statement on August 4 during the Ministry of Health’s third weekly briefing on the COVID-19 situation in Morocco.

The briefing, containing data as of Sunday, August 2, presented the global and national epidemiological situations using simplified graphs and interactive maps.

Globally, the number of COVID-19 cases is still increasing every week. As of Sunday, the global case count stood at over 18 million cases, marking an infection ration of 234 per 100,000 people. The global fatality rate stood at 3.8%, while the recovery rate was at 62.9%.

In Africa, the number of COVID-19 cases is slightly decreasing. However, in the Americas, as well as South East Asia, the numbers are still on the rise. In Europe, after a decrease in detected COVID-19 cases for several weeks, the figures began increasing again.

Domestic situation

In Morocco, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases stood at 25,537 as of Sunday, marking a ratio of 70 infections per 100,000 people. The country also recorded 382 deaths and 18,435 recoveries.

According to a graph showing the weekly evolution of new COVID-19 cases, Morocco went through three main phases.

During the first phase, marked by the lockdown between mid-March and early June, the numbers of new COVID-19 infections slightly increased at first, but then began gradually decreasing. The number of new COVID-19 cases every week reached a low of 1 per 100,000 people during the first phase.

The second phase, spanning from early June to early July, was marked with gradually eased lockdown measures. During the phase, the number of weekly COVID-19 infections in Morocco increased to reach nearly 6 per 100,000 capita.

Finally, the third and current phase witnessed an even greater increase in weekly infections. Due to the further eased lockdown measures, the number of new COVID-19 cases stood at 14 per 100,000 people in the past week.

Regional distribution

According to a map showing Morocco’s epidemiological situation, more Moroccan regions and provinces are witnessing a surge in cases.

In the past week, 22 Moroccan prefectures and provinces recorded more than 7 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 capita—the rate that the Ministry of Health considers alarming. One weak before, only 10 prefectures and provinces showed similar figures.

The most heavily infected provinces and prefectures include Al Hoceima, Beni Mellal, Berrechid, Casablanca, Errachidia, Fahs-Anjra, Fez, Jerada, Khenifra, and Marrakech.

The list also includes Meknes, Mohammedia, Moulay Yacoub, Nouaceur, Ouarzazate, Oued Ed-Dahab, Rabat, Sefrou, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tangier-Asilah, and Tetouan.

The past week has witnessed the highest number of deaths since the start of the domestic COVID-19 outbreak, with 69 casualties.

April remains the month with the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths, with 135 victims. However, after a decrease in May (35 deaths) and June (23), the number of deaths significantly increased in July, reaching 125.

As of August 2, Morocco ranked 60th in the world and sixth in Africa by number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The country also recorded the 66th highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the world and the seventh in Africa.

By the number of conducted COVID-19 tests, Morocco is in the 35th position worldwide and second continentally.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to consider Morocco to be in the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to WHO, the phase is characterized by “clusters of cases” and did not yet reach “community transmission.”

Citizens’ inquiries

During the briefing session, Mrabet answered a series of questions the Ministry of Health received. Interested individuals can send inquiries via WhatsApp to the telephone number 07 61 85 50 20.

The first question revolved around the possibility of food to contain the coronavirus. According to Mrabet, the probability is “very very low, almost null.” COVID-19 is transmitted through air particles and not food, he explained. So far, no case of COVID-19 transmission through food has been recorded, he added.

Answering another question about how hot weather affects the coronavirus, Mrabet said that laboratory experiments revealed that heat, humidity, and ultraviolet rays affect the virus. However, the findings cannot be confirmed yet, as COVID-19 is still spreading despite the summer heat, he added.

Regarding the duration of the coronavirus’ survival in the air, Mrabet said the particle can stay alive for three to four hours. The duration is the main reason why changing air in living and working places is important, he argued.

“We must always keep windows open and avoid using air conditioning if there is no airflow,” the expert said.

Read also: Morocco Records 1,021 COVID-19 Cases, 661 Recoveries in 24 Hours

In response to a question about face masks in cars, Mrabet said that, from an epidemiological viewpoint, wearing a face mask in the car when alone or with household members is “useless.” However, according to the law, it is compulsory to wear face masks when outside, he warned.

The final question inquired about the price of COVID-19 tests. According to Mrabet, the Ministry of Health covers the cost of COVID-19 tests patients and suspected cases as part of its epidemiological monitoring. However, if someone requires a COVID-19 test for personal reasons, such as traveling abroad, there is a fee, the doctor said, without disclosing the exact cost.

At the end of the briefing, Mrabet reiterated the safety measures that Moroccans should respect to curb the spread of COVID-19. He urged citizens to wear face masks, maintain social distancing, and avoid physical greetings.

“We must all take part in curbing the spread of COVID-19,” Mrabet said.

“There is no vaccine yet and it does not seem that there will be one anytime soon, so preventive measures are our only solution now,” he concluded.

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Rabat – In Morocco, the number of blind or visually impaired students who passed the 2020 baccalaureate exams reached 94.18% in its remedial session.

Approximately 84.81% of visually impaired students passed the ordinary session, while the success rate of non-student candidates reached 85.71%.

The data, provided by the Alaouite Organization for the Protection of the Blind in Morocco (OAPAM) and cited by Morocco’s state media, indicated that in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region, 74 of the total 79 student candidates received passing scores. In addition, six out of seven non-student, or “free candidates” passed.

Candidates from the blind community received average scores on their baccalaureate exams ranging from 14.60 to 16.66 out of 20.

The top three candidates with the highest scores on the national level received computers equipped with a screen reader. As well, electronic tablets with screen reader software were offered to educational institutions affiliated with OAPAM.

For all candidates across the country, the final success rate reached 79.62% following the retake exam — a 1.66% increase compared to the 2019 baccalaureate exams. The initial success rate was 63.08%.

In order to be considered for the remedial exam, candidates must earn a score ranging between 8 and 10.

This year, despite the unique circumstances and challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education reported record-breaking attendance at retake exams and high success rates.

OAPAM echoed the ministry’s pride, noting that the blind and visually impaired candidates achieved “very encouraging results” on this year’s baccalaureate exams. This occurred regardless of the suspension of face-to-face classes and measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19.

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Rabat – The Committee on Petitions at Morocco’s House of Representatives has submitted a report on “the petition of life,” calling for the creation of a fund to cover medical expenses of cancer patients in Morocco.

Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani received the report on Tuesday, August 4.

A statement from the Head of Government’s Office said El Othmani received the committee’s members and thanked them for the advice and suggestions included in the report. He also thanked the initiators of the petition and its signatories.

The petition dates back to December 2019. Omar Cherkaoui, a professor at the Faculty of Law in Mohammedia, launched the petition asking the government to create a cancer treatment fund through an amendment to Morocco’s 2020 Finance Bill.

The petition earned signatures from 40,000 Moroccans, including activists, public figures, and academics.

According to El Othmani, the request “expresses a high patriotic and humanitarian sense and is an eloquent example of participatory democracy.”

The head of government said this is the first time a petition sent to the House of Representatives has been followed with a report and a parliamentary opinion.

El Othmani commended the Committee on Petitions’ initiative, recalling that they held 10 meetings in total to study the petition and give it the importance it deserves.

Exemplary initiative

Cancer is a disease that affects many people in Morocco and its treatment costs can pile up over a long period of time, El Othmani deplored.

“Families and relatives of the patients also suffer from the negative effects of the disease,” he added.

The Ministry of Health’s 2017 statistics indicate that nearly 40,000 Moroccans are diagnosed with cancer every year. Breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer are some of the most prevalent forms in Morocco.

The head of government expressed his wishes to see such citizen initiatives multiply on the local and national levels. He urged Moroccans to present proposals to local authorities in order to positively impact decision-making.

During his meeting with the committee, El Othmani pledged to thoroughly examine the report with the competent authorities and accelerate its implementation.

Morocco’s Minister of State in Charge of Human Rights, Mustapha Ramid, who also chairs the Committee on Petitions, presented a summary of the report.

According to Ramid, the petition recommends 29 measures relating to Morocco’s cancer prevention and treatment strategy. The text tackles early detection of the disease, access to diagnosis and treatment, as well as availability of drugs.

While preparing the report, the committee held a series of meetings with government departments, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economy.

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