Morocco closes schools and universities over coronavirus fears

Morocco’s Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research has decided to close schools and universities starting from Monday March 16.

In a press release issued, Friday, the Ministry said that the decision includes «kindergarten, educational institutions, vocational training schools, universities and other institutions that are affiliated to the Ministry of National Education». The latter also indicated that the decision covers private and public educational institutions.

The measure, taken to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus, includes also «executive training establishments, schools and language centers affiliated to foreign missions, as well as language centers and educational support centers».

«This has nothing to do with the adoption of exceptional school holidays. Compulsory attendance classes will be compensated by distance learning», the Ministry of Education explained.