The Moroccan foreign ministry said on Saturday that Moroccans arriving from China, regardless of their nationality, will be prohibited from entering the country. This is in an effort to prevent any new waves of Coronavirus infections. A number of countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from China due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, according to Reuters. Every year, thousands of tourists travel from China to Morocco by air, most of whom arrive via the Gulf.

Following an abrupt change of policy, China announced this month it would undo the world’s strictest COVID regime of lockdowns and extensive testing. It will prepare for a complete reopening of its battered economy by the end of next year. According to some international health experts, the lifting of restrictions has resulted in COVID spreading largely unchecked, potentially infecting millions of people daily.