COVID-19: Ganduje orders reopening of markets in Kano

June 2, 2020 2:02 pm

Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, has ordered the reopening of markets and worship centres in the state for three days.

Muhammad Garba, the state’s commissioner for information, announced the eased lockdown measures in a statement on Tuesday.

This comes a day after the federal government lifted the total lockdown in Kano imposed as a measure to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

President Muhammadu Buhari first ordered a two-week lockdown in Kano on April 27 after reports of mysterious deaths in the state. The lockdown was again extended on May 18.

The commissioner said the decision of the state government is based on compliance with the federal government’s directive.

He said the state government also consulted with key public health professionals before making its decision.

Garba said markets, worship centres and movement of persons are now permitted in the state on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 12 hours, from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

“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,” he said.

“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 is necessary for such places to ensure compliance with safety rules that include mandatory use of non-medical face masks; provision of handwashing facilities/sanitisers; 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 advised to avail themselves of the opportunity of radio and televised lessons being sponsored by the state government.”

Prior to the federal government’s decision, Ganduje had appealed for an urgent easing of the total lockdown in the state.