Morocco locks down main cities as virus surges

Morocco's government has announced a fresh lockdown in some major cities as new coronavirus cases in the country hit a record high.

Movement has been restricted in the country's largest city Casablanca, as well as in Tangier, Marrakesh, Fez and Meknes.

Essential service providers authorised by government officials are exempted from the order. Those transporting goods are also allowed to operate.

The lockdown has been reinstated because of non-adherence to guidelines intended to prevent the spread of the virus, officials say.

The government warned that a nationwide lockdown was still an option if citizens kept disregarding the guidelines.

The ministry of health on Saturday announced 811 new cases and a further 633 on Sunday - bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 20,278.