COVID-19 Lockdown: Markets, Supermarkets To Operate Between 10 am – 4 pm

Markets are to operate between 10.00 am to 2.00 pm while supermarkets are to open between 10 am to 4 pm daily within the periods of lockdown in Nigeria.

The directive is contained in the “Implementation guidance for lockdown policy” released from the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation for the fight against COVID-19 pandemic spread

For markets, the guidelines provided as follows: “In order for markets to operate, State and local government
authorities as well as leaders of market associations must take full
responsibility for strict compliance with the following protocols:

1. Only shops and stalls selling food and groceries shall be allowed to
   open to customers between 10:00am to 2:00pm every 48 hours or
   less frequently.

2. All market associations must make provision for hand washing for all
   sellers and buyers. At entry and exit points of the market, both
   sellers and buyers must wash or sanitize their hands.

3. Each stall/shop in the market should ensure that their customers
   queue and are attended to serially while complying with social
   distancing measures and avoiding overcrowding.

4. All shop owners and staff must arrive and set up at least 30 minutes
   before the market is open to customers. Each store owner is
   responsible for cleaning and disinfecting their shops.

5. All markets should strictly comply with social distancing policies. A
   safe gap should be ensured between shop/stall owners and
   customers.

In respect of Super Markets and food stores, it provided that:
1. All owners and managers of supermarkets and food stores must
strictly adhere to the following:

a. On arrival, all staff must be screened for high temperature.
Those found to have a body temperature above 38.0⁰C should
be denied entry and advised to immediately seek medical
attention.

b. Ensure staff and customers wash their hands before entry to
the store. Make provision for regular hand hygiene for staff
during working hours.

c. Ensure all deliveries of supplies and products are made
between 5:00 am and 9:00 am. Porters should wash their
hands before offloading products and goods.

d. Store opening hours should be between 10am to 4pm daily for
customers

e. At any point in time, the total number of customers inside
each store must not on average exceed a third of the store’s
maximum capacity. Where necessary, store owners should
assign security personnel to ensure strict compliance with
these measures.

f. Ensure that from 4pm all shelves, aisles and stores are
cleaned and disinfected

g. Ensure that by 6pm, all stores are closed, and staff conveyed
back to their respective homes.

The rules above for supermarkets shall also apply to pharmacies.
However, 24-hour pharmacies may continue to operate as usual.