Morocco extends Coronavirus emergency status

The Moroccan government has extended the nationwide health state of emergency to Jan. 31, the country's state news agency reported on Thursday.

The decision, according to a statement, comes amid a rise in Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections.

The Moroccan Ministry of Health reported 427 new COVID-19 infections and three deaths on Wednesday, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to 953,724.

The government on Monday banned all New Year's Eve parties and special events organized in hotels, restaurants, and tourist establishments.

A night curfew on New Year's Eve will be imposed from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. in a bid to strengthen the preventive measures necessary to curb the spread of the COVID-19, the government statement said.