Ekiti shuts supermarkets, pharmacies over violation of COVID-19 protocols

The Ekiti government says it has closed some supermarkets, pharmacies and clubs within the state for failure to comply with COVID-19 protocols.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Bolaji Aluko, Ekiti COVID-19 response taskforce coordinator, on Sunday.

The statement also disclosed that the institutions were closed “following scrupulous inspections” on August 14 and August 15, 2020 by the Ekiti COVID-19 taskforce compliance unit.

The institutions include: Chino Supermarket, Ikere road; Babatola Shopping Complex, Ikere road; NAO Supermarket, Adebayo road, and Beta Life Pharmacy, also on Adebayo road.

Others are Twin Pharmacy, Fajuyi area; Prosperous Club; Bana Place, and a peppersoup joint opposite Ologede police station, beside Queen’s Court.

“The public is urged to ensure and advise that institutions that serve them obey the simple guidelines of usage of infrared thermometers, functional water/sanitiser stands, mask-wearing by all staff and patrons, and social distancing within the premises,” the statement read.

In March 2020, the federal government had restricted movement of persons, and ordered a temporal closure of businesses (except emergency and essential services) and schools in order to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

However, some restrictions have been lifted for the resumption of economic activities across the country.

Meanwhile, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ekiti has 204 confirmed COVID-19 cases, out of which 93 recoveries and three deaths have been recorded.