Coronavirus: Morocco Suspends Maritime Links With Italy

Morocco has suspended all of its maritime connections with Italy as a result of growing fears of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

According to World Maritime News, Morocco had earlier announced the suspension of all flights to and from Italy to as measures to contain the virus.

Similarly, the directorate of the merchant navy at the Moroccan ministry of transport and logistics also announced the suspension of the maritime links with Italy.

However, in the light of the growing virus, The director said the decision is in line with the government’s directives to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The suspension concerns all boats travelling between Moroccan and Italian seaports. Lifting the suspension is dependent on the evolution of the epidemic in the European country, explained the institution.

“The companies concerned must take the necessary measures to inform passengers and avoid their travel to the ports of departure,” recommends the directorate.

Morocco has recorded 5 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the outbreak of the coronavirus in China and from the record, Two of the patients contracted the virus in Italy, while three became infected in France.

Italy is currently the country after China with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, with over 10,100 cases and 800 reported deaths.

On Monday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte imposed a national quarantine on the entire country. He advised all Italians to stay at home except for necessities, work, and health circumstances.