At the start of the government council, El Otmani said that "the announcement of the next stage in the reduction of quarantine restrictions will be made at the appropriate time" and that the government "will make sure that all economic and social sectors regain their dynamism and vitality as they were before the pandemic, and this as soon as possible," said Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research, spokesperson of the government Saaid Amzazi, in a press release read at the end of the cabinet meeting.

El Otmani stressed the need to successfully implement this first stage of reducing quarantine restrictions, "so that we can extend the reduction measures in a second stage, a decision which remains linked to the results of the evaluation to be undertaken by the Ministry of Health and other relevant departments.

Morocco has been able to control the Coronavirus pandemic, thanks to the insightful leadership of HM King Mohammed VI and to the cooperation of all Moroccans, he noted.

"This is what has enabled Morocco to begin a first step in reducing health quarantine, and this, according to a previously announced approach, the implementation of which is detailed by the various officials and departments concerned", said El Otmani, stressing at the same time that the reduction of quarantine restrictions does not in any way mean the disappearance of the virus which is at the origin of this pandemic.

The Head of Government called, on this occasion, the citizens of the different regions, including those residing in the first zone and who are now authorized to leave their homes without exceptional authorization, to respect basic precautions, mainly leaving home only when necessary, which will reduce the risk of the virus spreading again.

In this context, he highlighted the need to respect personal hygiene rules, in particular regular hand washing, cleaning frequently used areas with sterilizing products, compulsory wearing of face masks in public places and respect for social distancing in places such as markets, shops and means of transport, noting that everyone is called upon to respect the precautionary rules decided by public authorities throughout the national territory.

Certain categories of people are more vulnerable to this virus, notably the elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases, he recalled, stressing that these categories of people must take additional precautions, avoid crowded areas and minimize contact with people.

El Otmani also said that all economic, industrial, commercial and service activities have been authorized throughout the national territory, with the exception of certain activities which are generally crowded with citizens and which are not yet allowed to open, citing for example cafes and restaurants (with the exception of take-out service) and public baths, cinemas and theaters.

A new evaluation will be carried out a week later, to take the necessary decisions in the light of the results obtained, while making sure to foster the achievements made by Morocco in its fight against this pandemic, he assured.

On the other hand, the Head of Government expressed his understanding of the pressure felt by many citizens due to the quarantine and the procedures associated with it, noting that these are "real sacrifices which will allow our country to come out of this health crisis safe and sound."

El Otmani reiterated once again his confidence in the commitment of citizens to respect the measures required by the current stage of easing restrictions, as they did during the previous stage in accordance with the decisions of the public authorities.

The Council of Government, convened on Tuesday, had adopted Bill 2.20.406 extending the state of health emergency until next July 10 throughout the national territory, to deal with the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), with the promulgation of special provisions on the reduction of the related restrictive measures.