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Moroccans in South Korea describe the situation as coronavirus cases reach more than 900

In South Korea, the number of coronavirus cases have jumped to more than 900. Moroccans living in the East Asian country describe their situation as the South Korean government is trying to curb the spread of the virus.

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In South Korea, the number of coronavirus cases has jumped within a week from a few dozen to more than 900. Half of the confirmed cases in the country have been linked to a religious cult.

Authorities in South Korea have confirmed that the members of a Christian group in the Shincheonji Church infected one another, having the virus spread around the country, reports BBC.

Having by far the highest number of coronavirus cases outside China, South Korea is now battling against the virus and trying to stop its spread in the country.

Moroccans living there told Yabiladi that the South Korean government has been sending them daily texts and messages with preventive measures and activities to avoid amid the outbreak.

Closed schools and limited outdoors activities

«The South Korean government has been sending everybody messages, urging us to avoid croweded places, such as markets and other venues», Youssef, a Moroccan who lives Incheon, told Yabiladi on Tuesday.

Describing the situation in the city where he lives amid the outbreak, Youssef said that «schools and companies have been closed and daily activities are suspended». The South Korea-based Moroccan who is worried about his well-being stressed that «although [we] follow the precautionary instructions and wear masks when going out, [we] do not know if it is really enough».

Youssef told Yabiladi that authorities in South Korea have extended the stays of foreigners who were about to renew their residence cards. As for the Moroccan part, he said that he received a communiqué that has been circulating among the Moroccan diaspora with numbers that Moroccans can call.

In Seoul, Issam said that currently the «situation in [his] city is not very worrisome, but it could change in the coming days, depending on the spread of the virus».

The Moroccan said that he «was sent a communiqué from the Moroccan embassy in Korea, inviting the Moroccan community to send their IDs’ numbers for a potential repatriation plan».

When it comes to supplies, Issam said that «it is hard to find masks and we have to buy them online».

Coronavirus cases significantly increasing in South Korea

Meanwhile in Seoul, Zakaria, another South Korea-based Moroccan, told Yabiladi that it has been worrying to see «the number of those infected significantly increase», adding that «in one day only 100 additional cases were reported».

«A neighborhood in Seoul is considered dangerous and everyone that has been there in the last three days must go to the hospital and undergo tests», he reported.

Zakaria said that he called the number that was sent by the Moroccan embassy earlier today and he was told to «send his information and those of Moroccan friends and acquaintances in South Korea».

Furthermore, Zakaria who works in the city said that the «restaurant he works for has decided to close for a short period», adding that even «other people who work for companies and in offices were also told to stay home and not come to work».

In addition to South Korea and China, Italy is one of the countries that have seen numbers of coronavirus cases increase at a rapid pace. The European country has the highest number of coronavirus infections outside Asia, with 283 cases, as announced by the Italian civil protection agency on Tuesday.

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