The head of the Moroccan government, Saad Eddine El Othmani, has categorically denied the information circulated about a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the COVID-19 as fake news. A fake statement circulating online over the weekend claimed that the government is set to announce a lockdown on Sunday after a government council meeting. In his statement, Saad Eddine El Othmani also renewed calls for national mobilization against fake news, which spread frustration and panic among citizens. The fake news regarding a potential lockdown comes as Morocco is experiencing a surge of COVID-19 cases. Morocco has so far confirmed 222,544 cases of COVID-19 since March 2, including 3,762 deaths.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 02, 2020 16:52 UTC