In Pictures

In Pictures: Moroccans swim, sing, reconnect as lockdown lifts

Moroccans welcomed the end of more than three moths of virus lockdown.

People gather at a reopened beach on the first weekend after lockdown measures were lifted in Sale, Morocco, Friday, June 26, 2020. Moroccans are re-experiencing a taste of the life before. In newly o — People in Sale, northwestern Morocco, at a reopened beach after the lifting of lockdown measures imposed three months ago to curb the spread of coronavirus. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

In the Moroccan capital Rabat, people welcomed the end of more than three months of coronavirus lockdown with the joy of a religious holiday.

They met friends, played at the beach and visited relatives on Thursday.

The pandemic, however, has left its scars on the country’s economy and Moroccans’ well-being that will take a long time to heal.

“Coronavirus is the least of my worries,” said Mohammed Tighiri, a waiter in the Best Coffee cafe in the city centre, his mask resting on his chin.

“If my boss isn’t able to pay his bills, I won’t be able to pay mine.”

In the neighbouring city of Sale, teenagers and children gathered to cool off in the Bouregreg River.

With no physical distancing, they splashed and dipped in the cold water, wrapped arms around each other’s shoulders and sang songs in celebration of their newfound freedom.

Morocco has so far recorded nearly 11,900 coronavirus infections and 220 related deaths, and has not yet announced when it will reopen to international travel.

A family enjoys their time at a reopened beach after lockdown measures were lifted in Sale, Morocco, Friday, June 26, 2020. Moroccans are re-experiencing a taste of the life before. In newly opened pu — A family enjoying outdoor time at a reopened beach in Sale. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

Young women pose for a portrait while spending time at a reopened beach after lockdown measures were lifted in Sale, Morocco, Friday, June 26, 2020. In the capital Rabat, people welcomed the end of lo — Morocco has so far recorded nearly 11,900 coronavirus infections and 220 related deaths. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

Youths play basketball in a reopened court after lockdown measures were lifted in Rabat, Morocco, Thursday, June 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Mosa''ab Elshamy) — Teenagers playing basketball in a reopened court in Rabat. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

Yasmin, left, applies makeup for her friend, Mariam, as they spend time outdoors for the first time since lockdown measures were lifted, in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, June 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Mosa''ab Els — Yasmin, left, and her friend, Mariam, right, are spending time outdoors for the first time since lockdown measures were imposed. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

Families gather at a beach after lockdown measures were lifted in Rabat, Morocco, Thursday, June 25, 2020. Moroccans are re-experiencing a taste of the life before. In newly opened public spaces, ever — Families gathering at a beach in Rabat. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

Boys jump into a river to cool down after lockdown measures were lifted in Rabat, Morocco on Friday, June 26, 2020. Moroccans are re-experiencing a taste of the life before. In newly opened public spa — Boys jumping into a river in Rabat. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

People wear face masks to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the reopened Medina of Rabat after lockdown measures were lifted in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, June 26, 2020. Moroccans are re-experiencing — The Rabat Kasbah would normally be bursting with tourists and Moroccans who live in Europe and return home for summer visits. Now, merchants sit and chat with each other, with no customers in sight. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

Brik Ait Qeddour poses for a photo at his reopened shop in the Medina of Rabat after lockdown measure were lifted, in Morocco, Friday, June 26, 2020. Moroccans are re-experiencing a taste of the life — Brik Ait Qeddour, who has been making and selling traditional leather shoes and slippers for more than 40 years, said as long as borders remain shut, "all we can do is sit in front of our shops and wipe the dust." [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]

Women walk past a reopened hair salon in the Rabat Medina after lockdown measures were lifted in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, June 26, 2020. Moroccans are re-experiencing a taste of the life before. In new — In a hair salon tucked away in the maze-like streets of Rabat's old town, barber Rabiee Serhane gives a childhood friend a haircut. He opens up about the emotional disconnect and depression he suffered during the lockdown. "Sometimes I felt like I was unloved and alone in the world. I had dark thoughts that took me to really bad places mentally," Serhane said. [Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo]