COVID-19: FG Approves Partial Opening Of Markets In Lockdown States

The Federal Government has approved the partial opening of food markets and supermarkets in states where the lockdown is effective due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak effective Thursday.
This was disclosed by Aliyu Sani, the National Co-ordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the Task Force, all markets in Lagos and Ogun states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be allowed to open between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm daily.
“For markets, only shops and stalls selling food and groceries shall be allowed to open to customers between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm,” Sani said.
The PTF Coordinator also stated that supermarkets will be allowed to be open from 10am to 4pm daily, but insisted that all staff and customers must be screened to ascertain their temperature level before entry.
“On arrival, all staff must be screened for a high temperature and all those found to have a high body temperature above 38, will be denied entry and advised to seek immediate medical attention.
“All deliveries for supplies and products for these supermarkets must be made between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 am,” he said.
Sani added that at any point in time, the total number of customers inside each store must not exceed a third of the store’s total capacity.
After their closure at 4:00 pm, Sani urged shop owners to ensure that all shelves, aisles and stores are cleaned and disinfected and by 6:00 pm, staff are conveyed back to their respective homes.