Hayat Boufrach, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party in the House of Representatives, praised the precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom of Morocco to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and limit its spread, noting that Morocco, like other countries in the region, found itself suddenly facing an enemy that knows no time or place.
In a press statement, Boufrashin said, “The first measures taken were to assess the number of beds and hospitals equipped to receive dozens—and eventually hundreds—of patients. Morocco has managed to secure 3,000 intensive care beds,” adding “The Moroccan monarch also used his own funds to launch a national solidarity campaign to establish a special fund to combat COVID-19, providing for all the needs required for this battle. Contributions from all sectors and institutions have reached approximately 30 billion dirhams.”
Bofrashen added, “All branches of the Royal Armed Forces, the Gendarmerie, the police, the auxiliary forces, and the Interior Ministry have been mobilized to assist at this critical moment, in recognition of the state’s efforts to bring the situation under control, contain the virus, and prevent its spread.”
The member of parliament added, “Due to the slowdown in the national economy and the hardship faced by salaried workers, day laborers, and merchants in the informal sector, the Ministry of Finance and Economy has taken the initiative to compensate all these citizens for the loss of income resulting from the work stoppage, and to allocate a monthly amount starting at 2,000 dirhams for those registered with the Social Insurance Fund, and between 800 and 1,200 dirhams for holders of the RAMED health coverage card—approximately 12 million citizens—and the same amount for citizens without income or employment due to health or social reasons.”
Hayat Boufrashin continued, “With this unprecedented measure, Morocco has accomplished a monumental task in record time, encouraging Moroccans to comply with quarantine protocols—a call that has been heeded by the overwhelming majority of the population. However, despite the success of this phase so far, several shortcomings in the process can be acknowledged, including the intransigence of some working-class neighborhoods and their refusal to fully comply with local authorities’ requirements to adhere to health emergency regulations; the difficulty of testing all Moroccans who have come into contact with virus carriers; as well as the depletion of logistical supplies from the market and the lack of strategic health reserves.”
Sarah Al-Ramshi
