Effective Implementation of Public Health and Social Measures in Morocco: Situational Analysis

Public health and social measures should respond to data about the growth of the epidemic and be implemented in a way that engages communities. Communities should be involved in helping to determine strategies for adapting measures to the local context, protecting livelihoods, and introducing appropriate relief measures to counteract the economic impact of these measures. The government should counter misinformation with appropriate risk communication and engage with communities to ensure voluntary adherence to COVID-19 response measures.

• With 4,321 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 30, Morocco has a relatively high caseload compared to other African countries. However, new cases have been steadily declining for the past two weeks, potentially indicating that PHSMs implemented are having an effect.
• There are high rates of support for the government response and for PHSMs, including school closures, which were implemented on March 13. Morocco expanded PHSM implementation approximately two weeks after the first case was reported, including the most recent announcement of a nationwide curfew during the month of Ramadan.
• Over two-thirds of Moroccans think that COVID-19 will be a problem for the country; however, despite a relatively high caseload, only one-third believe they are personally at high risk of infection.
• The government of Morocco has played an important role in risk communication for the COVID-19 outbreak, in addition to implementing a number of relief measures in support of the PHSMs. There is strong support from the highest ministerial level to counter misinformation.
• Morocco has seen an increasing number of security incidents related to COVID-19 following the implementation of PHSMs. Most recorded incidents took place in March, including mass arrests of people violating the lockdown. The majority have been peaceful demonstrations.