Moroccans brace for a period of “hibernation”

Posted On 19 March 2020

Number of times this article was read : 166

Rabat, March 18, 2020 – Morocco on Wednesday urged residents to stay home in an effort to contain the novel coronavirus, as a minister warned the country was in “economic hibernation”. The North African country has reported 49 COVID-19 cases, including two deaths. In a statement, the health and interior ministries told residents to “limit their movements” except in cases of “absolute necessity” such as shopping, medical treatment or going to work.

The steps bolster existing measures including the suspension of international flights and maritime passenger arrivals, and the closure of schools and universities, restaurants and cafes, cultural and sports facilities, and mosques. Finance and Economy Minister Mohamed Benchaaboun told lawmakers Wednesday that the country was in “economic hibernation” and the measures taken were to combat the risk of “great social problems”.

He said the government would take fiscal steps on Thursday to help those who have had to stop work so they could “at least meet their daily needs”, and to assist businesses. Many companies, including Morocco’s Renault production site, have suspended activity this week, affecting “tens of thousands of jobs”, while the country’s
crucial tourism sector is “at a complete halt”, the minister said. Over half of employees in Morocco do not have a work contract and less than a quarter are covered by social security, while the country’s informal sector represents over a third of jobs and more than 40 percent of GDP, according to various studies.

With the closure of cafes, restaurants, tourists sites and other venues, tens of thousands of people, including many in precarious, unofficial employment, have had to stop work, local media reported. Authorities had already announced the release of a special fund of 10 billion dirhams (over $1 billion) to upgrade medical equipment and help cushion the economic impact of the pandemic.

By AFP

Other Articles in this Week's Issue<< Despite global health crisis, Arab regimes continue to repressWHO does not have good news for Africa, sees “worse” ahead >>
The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Is Morocco Quietly Preparing for Royal Succession?

Is Morocco Quietly Preparing for Royal Succession?

Morocco’s royal succession is in the spotlight as King Mohammed VI faces health challenges. Key figures, including Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, are preparing for a potential transition. This shift may lead Morocco toward a more conservative future, impacting the kingdom’s stability and modernization

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This