Covid-19 Burden in the Traditional Market: The Risk Factors

Abstract

Oyebanji Anthony Olajuyin*, Ademola Busayo Olajuyin, Adebola Ayotomiwa Olajuyin, Obitade Sunday Obimakinde and Femi Ojo Ogunboyo

Background: The report that the earliest cases of Covid-19 were recorded in a food market makes one to suspect that the market could be the primary source of the community spread of the pandemic. In this study, we investigate the traditional markets for socio-demographic factors that may promote the spread of Covid-19 in the community. Objective: To identify the socio-demographic factors that may promote the spread of Covid-19 in the markets and the community at large. Methods: This was a prospective study of the physical composition of traditional markets, trading patterns of people and compliance with Covid-19 safety protocols in the traditional markets. A proforma form was designed for data acquisition Results: The result shows that the traditional markets consist of 83.17% open structures with propensity for overcrowding due to unrestricted influx of people. The business hour stretches over a long period, sometimes and in some places, from dawn till dusk. There was poor compliance across all the criteria for Covid-19 safety protocols and especially physical distancing. Conclusion: This study shows that overcrowding, long duration of business hours and failure to comply with safety protocols and especially physical distancing are the risk factors for spreading Covid-19 in the traditional markets and the community at large. While no stone should be left unturned in the fight against Covid-19, there is the need to pay special attention to the traditional markets so as to curtail Covid-19 infection now and another pandemic in the future.