As of today, March 14, Morocco has suspended flights and maritime links to and from a total of 29 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa until further notice to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The North African country began its travel restrictions earlier this week by suspending air and sea travel to and from Italy, Spain, and France, along with flights to and from Algeria.
Morocco extended the ban to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal early on Saturday, March 14.
Later in the day, the Moroccan government unveiled an extended list of countries with travel restrictions.
The flight suspensions are primarily concentrated in Europe, with the new additions of Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Denmark, Norway, and Austria.
In the Americas, air links are suspended with Canada and Brazil.
In Africa, flights with Egypt, Niger, Mali, Chad, Mauritania, and Senegal are suspended.
Morocco also suspended flights to and from Turkey, the UAE, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, and Bahrain.
The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that all travel restrictions were finalized in consultation with the concerned countries and that air and maritime links will resume when the global health crisis wanes.
Moroccan authorities will continue to track the COVID-19 situation in various countries and take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Moroccan people.
Europe is now the epicenter of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization declared on March 13.
Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe, has confirmed 21,157 cases of the virus, with 1,441 deaths and 1,966 patients recovered.
Spain follows with 6,313 cases, 193 deaths, and 517 recoveries.
Meanwhile, Germany has confirmed 4,525 cases, 46 recoveries, and only eight deaths.
France is not far behind with 4,499 cases, but with 91 deaths and only 12 recoveries.
Morocco appears to be ready to contain the spread of COVID-19 through any means necessary. With only 18 confirmed cases, one death, and one recovery, the North African country already seems prepared to completely isolate itself against the global pandemic.