The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has advised market men and women to ensure strict compliance with the social distancing order to help contain the spread of COVID- 19.
The LAGESC Corps Marshal, Mrs Gbemisola Akinpelu, gave the advice in Lagos, saying that defaulters would be appropriately sanctioned by the state government.
In a statement by the Corp’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr Adebayo Kehinde, Mrs Akinpelu explained that the measure was necessary to break the cycle of transmission of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
According to her, overcrowded areas such as our market places will increase the spread of this pandemic, if social distancing is not adhered to.
“This will pose a great danger to efforts of the state government at combatting the spread of the virus,” Akinpelu said.
The Corps Marshal further explained that in the light of this, the agency would continue to beam its searchlight on all markets in the state.
“Monitoring the operation at various markets to ensure that these directives were strictly adhered to through aggressive advocacy campaign and sensitisation on total compliance to the order.
“Similar campaigns were carried out at the Mile 12 Food Market in Kosofe Local Government Area and will also be extended to other major markets in the state.
“Traders and buyers alike should maintain environmental cleanliness around the markets, stop trading on road setbacks and drains.
“I urge you all to imbibe the culture of personal hygiene, by engaging in regular handwashing with soap and water as well as regular use of hand sanitisers, nose masks, and other protective devices.
“Please always consult the nearest hospital or testing centres for any ailment to ensure that the spread of the virus was curtailed as our markets harbour influx of people,’’ she said.
Akinpelu urged people who do not have any business around the market, and loiterers, to stay at home to reduce the numbers of people within the markets.
