Coronavirus: President Barrow revises regulations governing markets
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Gambian President Adama Barrow, in consultation with coronavirus (COVID-19) experts at the ministry of Health, has amended the regulations governing markets throughout the country.
A statement made available to PANA here Wednesday said effective Thursday, 13 August, 2020, restrictions shall be operational and should now supersede all previous restrictions governing the opening and closing of markets and shopping outlets in The Gambia.
The statement described the regulations as restrictions on markets and shopping areas emergency powers (amendment) regulations, 2020.
“A person trading in food products in any market shall open for business only between the hours of 6:00 am and 2:00 pm each day.
A person trading in non-food products in any market shall open for business only between the hours of 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm,” the statement said.
The statement said regulation 3 (1) of the principal regulations had been amended by substituting it with a new sub-regulation.
“(1) Except those exempted under sub-regulation (2), all non-food retail outlets located outside of markets throughout The Gambia shall only be opened to the public between the hours of 6:00am and 3:00pm.”
However, all markets throughout The Gambia shall remain closed on Sundays for routine cleansing and fumigation. The closures do not affect food vendors or shops outside the markets,” the statement said.
Pesident Barrow commended the business community for its compliance and Gambians for their perseverance during this very difficult period while his government continues to explore all possibilities to mitigate and contain the effects of the Covid-19 virus in The Gambia.
The statement pointed out that this new amendment came into effect to ease the burden on a cross-section of the business community following their total closure last week.
Accordingly, Presiden Barrow urged all businesses and members of the public to continue complying with these new regulations by always face masking, hand washing and adhering to strict social distancing.
The statement reminded citizens and residents that the 10:00 pm to 5:00am curfew remained in place.
-0- PANA MSS/RA 12Aug2020
