Morocco sees travel mayhem after snap movement restrictions to curb coronavirus
Morocco’s roads and transport hubs saw chaotic scenes after authorities announced snap movement restrictions affecting eight cities and towns to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The measures shutting off all entry and exit to the cities, which together account for more than half of Morocco’s population, were announced on Sunday, just five hours before they came into effect at midnight (2300GMT).
A joint statement from the interior and health ministries said the new restrictions applied until further notice to economic capital Casablanca and tourist capital Marrakesh as well as port city and second economic hub Tangiers, along with Fez, Tetouan, Meknes, Berrechid and Settat.
Visit our dedicated coronavirus site here for all the latest updates.
Local media reported that there were several road accidents after the announcement, adding there were still traffic jams on the Marrakesh-Ouarzazate mountain route on Monday morning due to the high volume of traffic.
There was mayhem as people converged on Casablanca’s main bus station on Sunday evening, while the train station in nearby Mohammedia was still crowded on Monday, AFP correspondents said.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Authorities announced the restrictions after a “considerable rise” in novel coronavirus cases just days before the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, when families traditionally come together.
The North African country registered record numbers of new daily infections over the weekend, with 811 cases on Saturday and 633 on Sunday.
The total number of cases in the kingdom reached 20,887 on Monday, including 316 deaths.
The decision was made “in view of the majority of citizens failing to comply with preventive measures” of social distancing and mask-wearing, the statement said.
Earlier this month, authorities had announced an easing of some restrictions imposed in March, with steps to encourage domestic tourism and facilitate travel over the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Read more:
Coronavirus: Crisis-hit Moroccans join ‘informal economy’ as job market shrinks
Air Arabia announces ‘special flights’ between Morocco and European destinations
-
Morocco arrests four terror suspects ‘planning attacks’
Morocco on Tuesday arrested four alleged members of a “terrorist cell” linked to ISIS who had plotted to attack “sensitive sites” in the kingdom, the ... North Africa -
Coronavirus: Morocco to resume domestic flights starting June 25
Morocco will resume domestic flights starting June 25, the state news agency said on Sunday, citing the ministry of tourism, air transport, ... Coronavirus -
Coronavirus: Morocco opens new field hospital due to spike in cases
A new field hospital in eastern Morocco will from Sunday receive around 700 COVID-19 patients following a sharp spike in infections in the kingdom, ... Coronavirus