By Idowu Abdullahi,
The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has approved the reopening of the state’s major markets as part of the government efforts toward the full reopening of the state’s economy amid reduced confirmed cases of coronavirus.
He said the market reopening became imperative after the Federal Government directive on gradual ease of lockdown across the country and in line with the state review of lockdown after due consultations with key public health professionals and other stakeholders.
Ganduje revealed that the reopening of the major markets will only be thrice a week, which will be on relaxed lockdown days of Wednesday, Friday and Sunday’s, adding that the dusk to dawn curfew has also been reviewed and movement timing adjusted 6 am to 6 pm.
The Governor, through a statement released to newsmen on Monday night by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, said the markets, places of worship, and movement of persons are now allowed on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, a departure from the existing relaxed lockdown from 10 am to 2 pm.
Ganduje also revealed that an emergency meeting has been summoned with the market leaders to iron out modalities and safety protocols in ensuring the gesture will not contribute to the community spread of the virus.
He noted that part of the deliberations will also include releasing guidelines and established protocols on how to manage access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission.
“It is necessary for such places to ensure compliance with safety rules that include mandatory use of non-medical face masks; provision of handwashing facilities/sanitizers; and extensive temperature checks.
“While these restrictions have been lifted, interstate movements except for goods, agricultural produce, and essential services are still in force.
“Schools will remain closed as students are urged to avail themselves the opportunity of radio and televised lessons being sponsored by the state government,” the statement read.
