Speaking at the House of Representatives (lower house), Elalamy pointed out that the ministry has prepared a strategic stock of 50 million masks for the aftermath of the lockdown.

Morocco decided on Sunday to launch the process of exporting masks, the minister said, adding that several countries have expressed the wish to import Moroccan masks, after examining their compliance with health standards.

Exporting masks will be suspended if there is a need to supply the domestic market after the lifting of the lockdown, he underlined.

Regarding cloth face masks, the minister said that Morocco produces more than two million per day, noting that they will not be exported, as they are needed in Morocco.

The export of these masks will be carried out gradually, when the Kingdom would achieve its strategic stock, the minister stated.

Morocco has also decided to export medical devices after achieving self-sufficiency, he said, noting that the country is further developing its production of artificial respirators.

With regard to prevention at workplaces, Elalamy said that the ministry, in partnership with the ministries of the interior, health and employment have carried out an in-depth check on nearly 1,590 companies, to verify cleanliness, the availability of disinfection materials, the use of masks and ventilation of workplaces, noting that all companies not respecting the necessary health measures issued by the authorities will be closed.

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered an unprecedented economic crisis, the impact of which will last for years, the minister said, adding that some sectors of the Moroccan economy have been forced to stop their activity.

National economy will also experience a difficult period, he said, adding that Morocco must preserve its economic fabric to overcome this crisis.

Some industrial sectors, such as the car industry, have resumed their activities two weeks ago, the minister said.

Regarding the supply of the national market, the minister noted that there is no lack of supply in this holy month of Ramadan, adding that it is thanks to the strategic decisions taken at the beginning of the health crisis of Covid- 19, that the Kingdom was able to supply the market with food, gas or even masks.