Lagos issues guidelines for reopening markets, shopping malls on Monday

The Lagos State Government has issued new guidelines for the reopening of markets and shopping malls ahead of the gradual easing of the lockdown in Lagos from next Monday.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr Wale Ahmed reiterated that all markets and stores in the various Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas across the metropolis will be allowed to open from 9 a.m till 3 p.m on selected days.

He emphasised that everyone attending these markets and stores will be mandated to observe precautionary measures such as physical distancing and high levels of personal and respiratory hygiene.

Dr Ahmed declared that malls will also be allowed to open with the proviso that stores will maintain a 60% occupancy capacity at any point in time, while ensuring that a two-meter physical distancing is maintained between a shopper and the next person in the store.

The Commissioner maintained that food handlers must wear masks and hand gloves in markets, directing that shop owners must provide hand sanitisers and wash hands with soap and running water at all entry points, as well as conduct temperature checks on customers.

"Those trading in other items and wares apart from food will only be allowed to trade on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while all food and farm produce sellers will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays," the Commissioner explained

While stressing that there will be zero tolerance for all forms of street-trading, Ahmed disclosed that all Market leaders also promised to ensure that their members abide by all the stated guidelines.