Marrakesh, once a bustling city, struggles to survive

The popular Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakesh used to be crowded with tourists, locals, traders and performers. — AFP

Snake charmers, storytellers and crowds of tourists; the legendary Jamaa El Fna square of Morocco’s Marrakesh is almost as famous for the number of visitors as its colourful performers.

But with tough government restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the tourism industry on which Marrakesh depends screeched to a halt.