Rabat - Morocco bans travelers coming from China to enter its soil following the 'alarming' spike in COVID-19 cases in the Asian country, according to a statement from the foreign affairs ministry.

The decision will enter into force starting January 3, 2023.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Morocco’s foreign affairs ministry said 'all travelers arriving from China, regardless of their nationalities, will be banned from entering Morocco starting January 3.' The decision comes on the backdrop of the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the Asian country.

The ministry explained that it had been closely monitoring the development of the COVID situation in China, adding that the decision to stop the inflow of travelers intends to “avoid a new COVID-19 outbreak in Morocco and the repercussions such an event would entail.”

“The decision will enter into force starting January 3, 2023, until further notice,” the statement adds.

The ministry said its decision does not “in any way” affect the “strong friendship” ties the two countries share.

China is facing a surge in COVID-19 cases. The Chinese government is responding with a nationwide lockdown that is becoming increasingly less popular in light of the economic downturn.

With the decision to ban Chinese travelers, Morocco is joining a list of other countries that include the US, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

The countries listed have all introduced either a complete ban or imposed stricter travel policies on incoming visitors from China.

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