C.Don Adinuba, Commissioner for Information and Enlightenment
Following widespread violations of the protocols in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the Anambra State government has decided to shut down Eke Awka for two weeks, with effect from Monday, June 15.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, the traders and buyers as well as suppliers in the market carried out the violations.
He said: “The major condition for the reopening of markets in Anambra State on Monday, May 4, 2020, after five weeks of closure as a critical step in the war to save our people from the ravages of COVID-19, was that all stakeholders in the markets like buyers and sellers must always wear face coverings, provide water, soaps and hand sanitizers in every line, wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, and keep social distancing of six feet.
“ 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.
This incident, he said, has “constrained to close down Eke Awka for two weeks in the overriding public interest.”
He said the government is closely monitoring the level of compliance with the protocols in the battle against COVID-19 in other markets. Any market found to have a low compliance level would be shut down immediately and indefinitely.
He urged, motor garages, hotels and places of worship which enjoy high traffic in the state to comply strictly with the requirements in the fight to check the spread of COVID-19.
