During this videoconference, moderated by Charles Powell, director of the Royal Elcano Institute under the theme "Coronavirus and the Maghreb: challenges for stability and reforms", the participants noted that Morocco has taken proactive measures in several areas to anticipate the spread of the virus as soon as the situation turned into a state of emergency in Europe.

 Thanks to the mechanisms adopted in this regard, the Kingdom stands out as a model for a swift and effective response to this global health pandemic, they stressed.

 Intissar Fakir, researcher of the Middle East program of the international think-tank Carnegie, said Morocco has implemented a battery of drastic measures to limit the impact of the new coronavirus on both the health of citizens and the economy, making the Kingdom an outstanding example and model in the region.

"Morocco went into compulsory confinement on 20 March, schools were closed and educational continuity was ensured online, public gatherings were banned and the compulsory wearing of masks was imposed, which was a precedent in the region," said Fakir, who is also editor of the daily Sada.

 She recalled the setting up of the strategic monitoring unit and the special fund covid-19 created on High royal instructions, noting that the health sector has been supported by the creation of additional hospital units, the local production of respirators and masks and the acquisition of additional medical equipment and test kits.

For her part, Isabelle Werenfels, an expert at the German Institute for international and security affairs (SWP) said she is "impressed" by Morocco's reaction capacity since the first cases of Covid-19 appeared in the country.

The measures adopted in Morocco had affected all categories of society, including the informal sector, she said, noting that the visionary strategy implemented by the Kingdom was bearing fruit and deserved to be commended.