The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has advised market sellers to ensure strict compliance with the social distancing directive in order to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs Unit, Mr. Adebayo Kehinde on Monday and made available to newsmen in Lagos.
Kehinde said that the agency’s Corps Marshal, CP Gbemisola Akinpelu (rtd) dropped the warning at the Command Headquarters, Bolade, Oshodi on Monday morning.
According to Kehinde, this measure is necessary to break the cycle of transmission of the deadly pandemic adding that defaulters of the directives will be appropriately sanctioned by the State Government.
“Over crowded areas such as market places will help to increase the spread of this pandemic if social distancing is not adhered to.
“This will pose great danger to the effort of the State Government at combatting the spread of the virus.
“Besides, the Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has directed the immediate shutdown of such markets that disobey the directives,” he said.
kehinde said that the Agency would continue to ensure that these directives were strictly adhered to through aggressive advocacy campaign and sensitization on total compliance to the order.
He stated that similar campaigns were carried out at the Mile 12 food market in Kosofe Local Government Area of the State and would also be extended to other major market in the State.
“Mrs Akinpelu admonished the market on the need to maintaining environmental cleanliness around the markets and stop trading on road set backs and drainage.
“She advocated personal hygiene among members and other market users by engaging in regular hand washing with soap and water as well as regular use of hand sanitisers and nose masks.
“She reiterated the need to always consult the nearest hospital or testing centres for any ailment to ensure that the spread of the virus is curtailed as our markets harbour influx of people,” he said.
Kehinde said that people who do not have any business around the market should stay at home to reduce the numbers of people within the markets arenas.