The Kwara State Government has directed that markets selling foodstuff and medicine in the state will now operate from 10 am to 2 pm three times a week.
They are to open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The directive was issued by the COVID-19 Technical Committee Chairman and Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Kayode Alabi while announcing the total shut down of the entire state which took effect from April 10.
The government said the lockdown was necessary to contain the community transmission of the novel coronavirus.
The new measure, in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, banned all vehicular movement, including private vehicles, all manners of shops and markets.
The government said violators of the pronouncement may face prosecution in line with the state regulations on the pandemic — except vehicles carrying goods and services such as food and drugs and categories earlier exempted in a recent address by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Alabi said, “The only exceptions are commercial trucks carrying goods and services who would operate with absolute respect for social distancing and other COVID-19 safety protocols. All kinds of shops, bars, pubs, and markets are hereby shut until further notice. Markets where foods and medications are sold will open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between 10 a.m. and 2p.m.
“Contractors working on government projects are allowed to proceed to work with no more than 20 workers on site at one time.”
“The total lockdown is for initial 14 days and may be reviewed as government monitors the situation,” he added.
