The government of Anambra State has shut the Eke Awka Market in the state capital following alleged widespread violations of protocols in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
The declaration was made by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C Don Adinuba. He said the market would be shut for two weeks with effect from Monday, June 15, 2020. He also observed that the rules were violated by traders and buyers, as well as suppliers in the market.
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According to the state government, most of the COVID-19 cases reported in the state had been traced to the market, despite the efforts of the government to make the people observe the guidelines outlined to effectively fight against the pandemic.
During the nationwide lockdown, all the major 64 markets in the state had been shut down. However, when Governor Willie Obiano announced the reopening of the markets, he gave conditions, among which were full observation of the Covid -19 protocols, including wearing of face masks, placing buckets of water and soap in front of shops for washing of hands, providing sanitizers and maintaining social distancing.
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However, a visit to the market showed that most of the people ignored the directive, with some even saying that they did not believe the coronavirus pandemic really exists.
According to the Commissioner of Information of the state, the major condition for the reopening of markets on Monday, May 4, 2020, after five weeks of closure was that all stakeholders in the markets, buyers and sellers alike, must always wear face coverings, provide water, soaps and hand sanitizers in every line. He regretted that this was not the case in Eke Awka.
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In his words, “It is regrettable that these precautionary measures meant to protect the lives of millions of our people have flagrantly been violated habitually, especially in Awka Market. The result is the recent spike in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and even fatalities in our dear state. Awka South local government area, where Eke Awka is located, has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases of all LGAs in the state.”