Morocco extends state of medical emergency

RABAT - Morocco on Saturday extended the state of medical emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic until May 20.

All preventive and restrictive measures in place since March 22 will remain in effect during this extended period to protect the public health, a joint statement by the ministries of interior and health said.

On March 22, Morocco adopted a public health emergency and restricted movements and banned all transport means between cities.

The North African country has closed all its land and sea borders, and suspended all international passenger flights since March 15.

A total of 106 new cases of infection with coronavirus have been confirmed in Morocco until Saturday morning, bringing the total number of infection cases to 2,670, the Ministry of Health announced.

The number of cured cases amounts to 298 with 17 new recoveries, while the number of deaths has reached 137.