As a way of ensuring compliance with the social distancing order in markets, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), has advised market traders to ensure strict obedience to the directive, warning that defaulters would be appropriately sanctioned by the State Government.
The Corps Marshal (LAGESC), CP Gbemisola Akinpelu (retd), who gave the warning today at the Command Headquarters Bolade, Oshodi, explained that the measure was necessary to break the cycle of transmission of the deadly coronavirus pandemic in Lagos State.
CP Akinpelu said, “Overcrowded areas such as our market places will aid the spread of this pandemic if social distancing is not adhered to and, consequently, affect the efforts of the State Government in curbing the spread of the disease. The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, has, therefore, directed the immediate shutdown of such markets”.
She further explained that the Agency will continue to intensify its focus on all market places in the State to ensure adherence to the directive through aggressive advocacy campaigns and sensitisation programmes.
While noting that similar campaigns were carried out at the Mile 12 food market in Kosofe Local Government Area and are already scheduled for other major markets in the State, Akinpelu admonished traders to maintain cleanliness around their environments and desist from trading on road setbacks as well as drainages.
She implored traders and their customers to cultivate the habit of personal hygiene by engaging in regular hand washing with soap and water as well as the use of hand sanitisers.
The Corps Marshal also advised the marketmen and women to visit the sampling centres nearest to their residence if they feel unwell, stressing that people who do not have any business around the markets should stay at home.
