The Moroccan government will lengthen its night curfew, starting two hours earlier at 9pm as it tightens restrictions to counter a surge in coronavirus infections, Reuters reports.

The business and tourist hubs of Casablanca, Agadir and Marakech will be closed except to holders of the vaccine pass or those on necessary travel, the government said in a statement.

The move is expected to hurt the tourism business which pinned hopes on the summer season to attract national tourists after travel receipts dropped 70 per cent in the first half this year.