Is It Safe to Travel to Morocco with Coronavirus Outbreak?

Is it Safe to Travel to Morocco with Coronavirus Outbreak?

March 20, 2020
12:45 pm

We all are aware of the thread that the world is facing currently. And yes, it is the COVID-19 which is spread by a coronavirus. This situation for months has been hampering the world economy and the well-being of humans in the first place. People all around the world are seeking for aid to get rid of this hard time.

However, I am a traveler myself, who resides in Morocco. in this particular situation of Coronavirus, which has been stated to be a Pandemic by WHO I pray for the well-being of people all around the world. On the other hand, I even contemplate the issue of traveling.

Saying a traveler not to travel is the same as asking someone not to eat while they are hungry. I have been traveling for years now, but never have I ever come across situations like this and this is the reason I understand you. Moreover, what about COVID-19 and traveling?

As a traveler or a digital nomad, you might be wondering about the country I reside in. on the other hand, you might even think about visiting Morocco and this is why you are here. In this blog, I will seldom tell you about how beautiful my country is because we have time for that.

Perhaps, I will make you feel acquainted with the Coronavirus situation in our country and what should be done. It is practically a guide rather than an itinerary blog.

Facts About Coronavirus in Morocco?

According to WHO, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness like flu that is caused by Coronavirus. It is highly contagious and this is the reason behind its massive outbreak. Although, it spreads through droplets so it is highly advised to stay at least 2 meters away from each other. On the other hand, this virus settles down on surfaces and that is the reason why you should maintain personal hygiene habits.

There have been 62 cases of coronavirus recorded in Morocco on the 20th of March 2020. Moreover, this widespread disease has killed more than 8500 people all over the world. there have been 2 casualties in our country since the outbreak.

Morocco government is taking the necessary steps to safeguard everyone in the country. To prevent the spread of this virus in the country, The Morocco Football Federation has ordered that all the matches will be played without the presence of audiences.

For the safety of travelers and even the citizens, the Morocco Ministry of Tourism has even ordered for cancelation of international flights for the whole month of March. However, Morocco is a touristy country and a percentage of its National GDP relies on tourism. So, we can understand that not only people are being harmed by the deadly virus but even the county’s economy is even facing hard times too.

On the other hand, one of the reputed airlines of Morocco, Royal Air Moroc has also suspended all flights to Venice and Milan on the 8th of March. After China, the most affected country of all around the world is Italy. Therefore, to maintain the safety of our government and the airline has taken this drastic step.

Apart from the arrival of tourists, the government of Morocco has even canceled many cultural and economic events as well. These events involved foreign travelers and that would have been a thread as it could have spread the disease.

Symptoms & Preventions

The symptoms of coronavirus tend to appear between two to fourteen days of exposure. This has been in almost all cases. At the very beginning, you might experience fever, dry cough, and breathing problems. Although, there are other symptoms as well. Such as muscle pain, headache, tiredness, sore throat, and runny nose.

The initial symptoms vary from one person to another. however, one of the common symptoms is having a mild fever for a day and that leads to cough and breathing problems. People who are suffering from other underlying illnesses are at higher risk.

However, the symptoms of coronavirus are close to flu and influenza therefore, if you experience any of the symptoms that are mentioned directly head to the doctor.

But before heading to the hospital just call the doctor and inform him/her about your travel history as well as how you well. It is highly important to not just think about our safety but also the well-being of others well. Also, let your doctor know if you have any underlying illness to ensure better health care.

Remember that the rate of casualties is less in coronavirus so there is nothing to panic about. It is highly contagious but there is a greater number of people who have recovered and they are perfectly alright. The good news is that China has reported just a few cases recently and there is nothing to worry about in the first place.

There is no vaccine for coronavirus available. But always remember that “prevention is better than cure”. Whereas, this is what we need to practice now. WHO has recommended the following precautions for avoiding COVID-19:

Wash your hands with soap regularly. If you are out of home and you find no water then use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Avoid large gatherings and even advise your loved ones to do the same.
Maintain a distance of 6 feet with anyone who has the symptoms mentioned above.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands are not clean.
Develop the habit of using tissue while coughing or sneezing.
Do not share your glass, dishes and household items with anyone.
Clean and disinfect the surfaces that you often touch.
Work from home and if you go out do not use public transportation.

Can I cancel My Flight to Morocco?

If you have your flights to Morocco from the United Kingdom your flights will remain unaffected. But as the virus is outbreaking in many parts of the world including the European nations, I highly recommend you to be up to date with the recent flight status. There might be changes at short notice.

Travelers like me who reside in Morocco must know that flights to many European countries have been canceled including China and Italy. However, if you are concerned about traveling to Morocco then I would suggest you contact your airlines. They will have the exact news for you.

Shedding light on the refund issue, this matter completely depend upon the airlines you have booked your itineraries. Some of them might refund and others might not. But do not consider that an issue has safety should be your main concern.

On the other hand, the independent hotels in Morocco are not under any pressure on refunding for instance, you have paid the advance. every hotel in Morocco that runs online has some terms and conditions. According to those T&C, the hotels have no obligations to refund the money that you have paid in advance. therefore, sadly you will lose money here.

Also, do not forget to check your travel insurance advisors to see if there is something they can do. But that is very unlikely to work at this time.

Coronavirus is not just a danger to the country but also the whole human race. It is a battle that we have to fight together rather than only thinking about oneself. If situations turn in our favor we can travel to the explored corners of the world and live the best lives. But this is now to time to stay at your homes and take care of yourself and your loved ones.

We the people of Morocco have always welcomed foreign travelers with warm greeting and wishes. We promise to welcome you soon again when the world returns into a state of ease. Always remember that the roads, souqs, towns, food stalls and the beautiful deserts of Morocco wait for your arrival.

Be Safe and Do Not Panic…