Covid 19: Panic buying in Eke Awka market as Obiano orders closure over protocol violation

Anambra state Governor Willie Obiano has ordered the closure of the popular Eke Awka market with effect from Monday next week.

In a statement issued through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Obiano said the decision followed non-compliance by the market traders and customers with Covid-19 protocols.

There was panic buying in the market by residents of the area following the announcement.

The statement partly read, “This is to inform the public that effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, Eke Awka Market, in Awka South Local Government will be shut down.

“This is as a result of non-compliance by the market traders and customers with Covid-19 protocols including wearing of protective face masks, provision of running water and soap for washing of hands, keeping of physical distancing etc.

“Also, effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, curfew in Awka South local government will be from 8pm to 6am daily, until further notice.

“These actions by the government is as a result of increased cases of Covid-19 in Awka South Local Government.

“The government is also putting other market leaders and local government councils in the state on notice that a similar curfew action will be taken, and markets in the local government closed down if it is observed that such markets do not observe Covid-19 protocols.

“All should please be guided and take the issue of observing Covid-19 protocols seriously.”