COVID-19: Anambra to re-open 63 major markets May 4
The Anambra state government has announced plans to re-open 63 major markets in the state on May 4 after closure since late March.
Governor Willie Obiano made this known to newsmen at Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area on Monday, after his brief meeting with the 63 market leaders in the state.
He said each market should set up a task force that would be trained by the state government on COVID-19 safety compliance principle to achieve greater success to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
The governor said that the essence of the meeting was to ensure that adequate measures were taken against COVID-19 pandemic in the state before the re-opening of its major markets.
Obiano urged the market leaders to forward 20 to 30 names that would form part of the task force that would monitor compliance.
He noted that the members of the task force would be trained within the week on precautionary measures on COVID-19 before the re-opening of the markets on Monday.
Obiano said that the training would also include adequate sensitisation on COVID-19 directives such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of face mask, washing of hand with soap and hand sanitisers, among others.
The governor said that the borders of the state would remain closed, adding that “we put these measures to ensure safety so as to be alive and enjoy our families.
“Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has agreed to upgrade the laboratory in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital to become a test centre.
READ ALSO: Compulsory use of cloth face mask takes effect after lock down relaxation – Buhari
“Traders have agreed to take precautionary measures as well as close the markets at 4 pm each day to avoid spreading the virus.
“Right now, schools and government offices are still closed. We should also remind ourselves of compulsory wearing of face mask.”
Mr. Uche Okafor, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, said that modalities to re-open the markets have been set up to ensure compliance of COVID-19 safety measures by the traders.
Okafor said the market leaders had adopted the existing task force in various markets for the training and assured total compliance with government directives.
President-General, Anambra Amalgamated Traders Association, Mr. Ikechukwu Ekwegba, gave an assurance of strict compliance with the governor’s directives and conditions.
Ekwegba said that the leaders of the 63 markets commended the proactive measures taken by Obiano’s administration to ensure the safety of the people against the coronavirus pandemic.
