COVID-19: Osun Suspends Weekly Markets Indefinitely

As part of efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Osun State, the state government has directed that all markets transacted on a weekly basis across the state be suspended indefinitely.

This is just as it embarked on a sensitisation exercise to educate market women under the aegis of Association of Osun Market Women, on the virus and the need for them to practice good hygiene.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, who led the government delegation on the sensitisation visit to the market women, disclosed the government decision to shut down the weekly markets.

Isamotu stated that the lock down was necessary due to the fact that Osun State has boundaries with some states that have cases of the COVID-19, adding that people from neighboring states patronise the weekly markets, which he said makes Osun State susceptible to disease.

 

He added that only the daily market, which attracts relatively low patronage as against the weekly market would be allowed to go on for now, but with strict precautionary measures in place.

The commissioner, therefore, urged the market women to support government effort in containing the spread of the disease by putting up hand-washing points and providing sanitizers for everyone who patronises them.

He also warned the people against loitering at market places, urging them to leave immediately after performing their transactions.

The commissioner maintained that Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is ready to combat the deadly virus, hence the proactive measures set up to protect the citizens.

In her remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives and Industries, Mrs. Christiana Ogunfolaju, said safety measures are one of the keys to overcoming the spread of coronavirus and any other disease.

She urged the market women present at the meeting to pass on the message to others who were not present.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Mrs. Olubukola Olaboopo, advised the market women to ensure compliance with government order and good hygiene and to notify appropriate authorities if anyone is suspected to be infected with the virus.

The Iyaloja General of the state, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade, in her address, appreciated the governor, for the proactive measures taken in ensuring the safety of the citizens.

Asindemade said the association of market women was ever ready to comply with the directive and regulations of the state government for the benefit of all, assuring the government that the daily markets allowed to open for transactions will not be abused, as she added that the sensitisation would be passed on to all market women in the state.