In a statement to MAP, Bella said these measures are divided into: the strengthening of the communication component, noting that diplomatic and consular staff are on alert for this purpose. Likewise, a central unit was set up at the embassy as well as communication units at the consulates general to respond to the various requests from the Moroccan community, he said.

With regard to material and moral support, he said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans abroad responded favorably to all requests from poor families to pay for their relatives' burials in the Islamic cemeteries. The direct contacts established with the families of the deceased were an opportunity to convey sincere condolences to them.

Regarding the diplomatic and consular aspects, steps have been taken with the Italian central and local authorities to remedy all the difficulties concerning local laws which restrict the possibility of burial in Islamic cemeteries, said the ambassador. Thus, it became possible to bury deceased non-residents in the cemeteries of Milan and Rome, he said, noting that a new cemetery has been opened in the Verona region.

Regarding the number of deaths among members of the Moroccan community due to the pandemic, the ambassador said that, according to information available to the consulates general, this number has so far reached 23 deaths, specifying that the deceased have all been buried in Islamic cemeteries in accordance with Islam rituals.

With regard to the situation of Moroccan nationals stranded in Italy after the suspension of flights and the closing of borders, Bella reported 113 cases recorded to date, noting that the embassy and the consulates general are in permanent contact with them to learn about their situation.