Eid Al-Adha: El Otmani Calls for Strict Compliance with Health Precautionary Measures

Head of government, Saad Dine El Otmani, underlined, Sunday in Rabat, the need to comply, during the period of Eid Al-Adha, with the precautionary measures issued to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, so that this celebration can take place in the best conditions, stressing that the success of the third phase of easing coronavirus-restrictions hinges on the contribution of all stakeholders.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Minister of Health, Khalid Ait Taleb, El Otmani urged citizens to limit their movements during this period, to continue to wear protective masks and to wash and disinfect their hands regularly.

The contribution of citizens in the efforts aimed at fighting against Covid-19 and the compliance with health precautionary measures have enabled the Kingdom to move to the third phase in easing coronavirus-restrictions, he pointed out, while commending several “success stories” in the management of this pandemic thanks to the proactive measures taken.

He added that the decision to lift coronavirus-related restrictions was one of the most complex tasks, as it required an in-depth discussion and consultations with the various stakeholders, in particular the scientific commission, noting that this decision enables to safeguard the health of citizens while ensuring a gradual return to normal life.

El Otmani recalled that tourism establishments can use 100% of their accommodation capacity, without exceeding 50% of their capacity in their common areas (restaurants, swimming pools, sports halls, etc.), while public transport will be allowed to use 75% of capacity between and within cities, under specific conditions.

Official sporting events can be held without the presence of the public, El Otmani said, adding that gatherings and activities where less than 20 people meet are allowed.

Moreover, cultural centers, libraries, museums and monuments will be open while not exceeding 50% of their capacity, he added, noting that it was also decided to maintain all the other precautionary restrictions previously approved (ban on festivities, weddings, cinemas, public swimming pools, funerals, etc.).

For his part, Khalid Ait Taleb called for more vigilance and respect of precautionary measures, noting that in the absence of a vaccine and scientific data on the seasonality of the virus, the good attitude of individuals remains the most effective way against the virus.

The minister warned, in this regard, against complacency with precautionary measures, since the epidemic has not disappeared, noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) stresses that the virus has not yet reached its peak.

However, he assured that the epidemiological situation in Morocco remains under control according to several indicators, including the fatality rate which does not exceed 1.6% as well as asymptomatic cases which reach 98%.

“All the decisions taken within the framework of the management of this pandemic, in accordance with the high royal instructions, were praised at the international level”, he said, adding that the number of tests conducted in Morocco has now increased to 20,000 per day.

He further explained that the increase in active cases is due to the impact of the end of lockdown measures on vulnerable people, noting that the average age of COVID-19 patients has dropped to less than 40 years following the easing of coronavirus-restrictions and the resumption of activities, after it exceeded 40 years at the start of the pandemic.

The government has called on all citizens to continue their full commitment and strict compliance with all the precautionary measures adopted by the health authorities, taking into account in particular the health risks posed by the summer period and the days of Eid Al-Adha.

Authorities will close all residential areas and districts that may become a COVID-19 cluster. The same decision will be applied to any production, service and tourism unit that does not comply with the rules set by the health protocol.