Covid-19 lockdown: Things you should know with the reopening of markets

In an effort to help minimise the spread of Covid-19 and enable reopening of  businesses, the Government of Kenya has released guidelines for both buyers and sellers in marketplaces.

If you are used to buying your fruit and vegetables from the market, be it a closed market or an open air one, you might be able to visit one soon. But before you do, here are a few things you should know about the reopening of markets.

Social distancing

The government has mandated that we should practice social distancing whenever we go out. As such, when you visit the market, only a few shoppers will be permitted to enter at one time.  Vendors will be required to place their stalls far apart from each other. To decongest open air markets, some vendors will be moved to public spaces such as fields. Those who deliver food in trucks or mini vans will be encouraged to sell in the estates, directly to consumers, to help reduce the number of people who visit markets. Having more than one family member go to the market at the same time has been discouraged. 

Spot checks

There will be random temperature checks in all markets. A high temperature is one of the symptoms of coronavirus infection.

Hygiene

You will be required to wash your hands before entering the market and wear a mask. Vendors are also encouraged to wear gloves or wash their hands more frequently. They also have to display their wares on raised platforms.  Markets with built-up infrastructure will need to be fumigated before traders set up their wares while open air markets have to be disinfected before each market day. The cutting of fruit and vegetables is highly discouraged. You will therefore need to cut your fruit and vegetables at home or do without that fruit salad. Your bags will need to be disinfected.

Payments

Buyers and sellers are encouraged to use cashless payment systems. Hard cash can be exchanged only when absolutely necessary and when both buyers and sellers are wearing gloves. The government has also discouraged business owners from hiking prices. Prices of key commodities should be announced every day.