Biggest market in Awka shut down for flouting COVID-19 protocols

Anambra State Government on Thursday announced the closure of Eke-Awka, the largest market in the state capital territory.

The market it was gathered, was shut down because of non-compliance by the market traders and customers with COVID-19 protocols including wearing of protective face masks, provision of running water and soap for washing of hands, keeping of physical distancing among others.

A statement signed by the Secretary to Anambra State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu said the closure will take effect from Monday, 15th of June, 2020.

The statement read in part; “This is to inform the public that effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, Eke Awka Market, in Awka South Local Government will be shut down. This is as a result of non-compliance by the market traders and customers with Covid-19 protocols.”

The State Government also announced effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, fresh curfew in Awka South local government from 8pm to 6am daily, until further notice.

It said the actions by the government have become imperative following the spate of cases of Covid-19 in the Local Government.

The statement said the government is also putting other market leaders and local government councils in the state on notice that a similar curfew action will be taken, and markets in the local government closed down if it is observed that such markets do not observe Covid-19 protocols.

“All should please be guided and take the issue of observing Covid-19 protocols seriously,” it said.

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