COVID-19: Abuja markets open thrice in a week

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Muhammad Bello has ordered that markets in Abuja be opened three days in a week.

Bello, who chaired a joint meeting of the FCT COVID-19 Emergency Response Team and the FCT Security Committee, as part of efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the FCT, says the development was part of the outcome.

With effect from Monday, he informed said the number of days markets are allowed to operate in the FCT has been increased from two to three days in a week.

Accordingly, all markets will open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8.00am to 3.00pm.

A statement by the Minister’s Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye explained: “The Meeting deliberated on the second phase of the ease of lockdown guidelines issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 generally and as they affect the operations of markets in particular.

“Consequently, the meeting came up with the following guidelines which will guide the operations of markets in the FCT from Monday May 25th 2020. In addition to sale of foodstuff the following additional sections of the market will now open;

“Agricultural inputs for farm activities such as sale of fertilizer, herbicides, seeds and agricultural implements. Building and construction materials. Electrical items specifically for construction.

“Neighborhood selling points managed by the Abuja Markets Management Ltd which are restricted to selling only foodstuff, are to operate daily;

“All new sections of the market to be re-opened as indicated above must ensure decontamination of their premises prior to commencement of business.

“Market operators and customers must also observe all already established protocols of handwashing, facial coverings and social distancing”.

The statement said all other measures at curtailing COVID-19 in the FCT as contained in the guidelines issued by the FCTA on the 2nd of May 2020 still subsist.