Moroccan authorities said that people who leave their homes without wearing face masks risk facing a prison sentence and a fine. But a large number of Moroccans were unable to secure the mandatory masks as they were sold out around the country.
On social media, many expressed that they were unable to purchase masks and that they preferred not to leave their homes. Local traders reported that they had received limited quantities that ran out quickly.
Authorities said the face masks would be sold at the subsidized price of $0.08 each in order to maximize the number of people who have access to them.
Despite the price set by authorities, many people who resorted to local pharmacies found that prices of face masks varied according to quality.
Prime Minister Saad-Eddine El Othmani reassured citizens that factories will produce approximately 2.5 million masks daily.
In a cabinet meeting, Othmani said that many small and medium enterprises submitted proposals for production and distribution that the government adopted and supported to meet the needs of the country.
Mohammed Abdennabaoui, president of the Prosecutor General's Office, directed the judiciary to work on strictly implementing the law when it comes to punishing those who violate orders to wear face masks in public.
Those who do not abide by the policy will face prison sentences of up to three months and fines of 1300 dirhams (USD 127).
Morocco is currently under a month-long lockdown in which movement is restricted domestically. Moroccans are only permitted to leave their homes to shop for food and medicine, or to go to work with the required permits issued by authorities.
More so, the Moroccan Ministry of Health issued a set of directions that citizens must adhere to when wearing masks.
The issued recommendations must be taken into consideration in order to properly use face masks, in addition to washing hands with soap and water, or an alcohol-based antiseptic.
