By Chad Anthony Williams
Cape Town – Morocco’s postal service, Barid Al-Maghrib, has issued a new commemorative postage stamp under the theme “Morocco united against Covid-19” which honours frontline workers in the fight against the pandemic, reported online news publication the North Africa Post.
The stamp illustrates representatives of all Moroccan institutions involved in the battle against Covid-19, including doctors, medical staff, police officers, civil protection agents and cleaners.
According to the publication, proceeds of the stamp sales will go towards the special Covid-19 fund that was established by King Mohammed VI to cover Covid-19 related needs and the economic impact on those affected by the virus.
“This postage stamp highlights the commitment of the Moroccan nation with all its components for the implementation of the strategy initiated by King Mohammed VI to fight the pandemic,” the postal service said in a statement.
It said the new stamp celebrated the Moroccan philatelic heritage and highlighted previous special releases that were also aimed at creating awareness. These included “The world united against malaria” in 1962, “Moroccan league for the fight against cardiovascular diseases” in 1980, “World AIDS Day” in 1991 and 2006, the “AIDS campaign” in 2011 and “First National Cancer Day” in 2008, as reported by online publication, Morocco World News.
As of Monday, Covid-19 cases in the north African kingdom had surpassed 6,200. The country recorded its first infection on March 2, and since then, 2,554 people have recovered from the virus. Over 65 000 Moroccans have been tested for the virus, and the country’s death toll currently stands at 188.
The Moroccan health authority continues to urge citizens to respect the rules of hygiene and health safety, as well as the preventive measures imposed by the government.
* For the latest on the Covid-19 outbreak, visit IOL’s special #Coronavirus page.
** If you think you have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus, please call the 24-hour hotline on 0800 029 999 or visit sacoronavirus.co.za
African News Agency (ANA)
