Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has ordered the reopening of all markets in the state on three relaxed lockdown days of Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in addition to the adjustment of timing to 6am to 6pm.
Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.
Ganduje also summoned a meeting with market leaders on the need to ensure strict compliance to laid down protocols and safety in the markets and business places to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The reopening of markets, according to the statement, is in compliance with the Federal Government’s decision to ease the lockdown and after due consultations with key public health professionals.
The state government had initially relaxed the lockdown from 10am to 2pm and allowed only two markets – Yankaba and Yanlemo foodstuffs markets to open.
However, the government said in the statement: “In compliance with the federal government easing of the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, Kano state government releases guidelines and established protocols on how to manage access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission.
“Similarly, after due consultations with key public health professionals and critical review of the situation in Kano, markets, places of worship and movement of persons are now allowed on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:00am to 6:00pm.”
It added: “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 advised to avail themselves of the opportunity of radio and televised lessons being sponsored by the state government.”
