The Federal Government has relaxed open and close rules for markets, supermarkets and food stores in Lagos, Abuja FCT and Ogun, where a lockdown has been imposed, PM News reports.

They will be allowed to open between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm daily.

The National Co-ordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Aliyu Sani, said this on Wednesday during a briefing by members of the task force.

“For markets, only shops and stalls selling food and groceries shall be allowed to open to customers between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm,” he said.

Supermarkets and food stores, are allowed to open between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

All owners and managers must screen staff and customers before entry.

“On arrival, all staff must be screened for a high temperature and all those found to have a high body temperature above 38, will be denied entry and advised to seek immediate medical attention.

“All deliveries for supplies and products for these supermarkets must be made between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 am,” Sani added.

He said at no point in time must the total number of customers inside each store exceed a third of the store’s total capacity.

Sani urged the stores to ensure that all shelves, aisles and stores are cleaned and disinfected after closure at 4pm.

Then by 6:00 pm, staff are conveyed back to their homes.