The Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) has announced that Malawi’s tobacco market will open on April 20, reported Malawi24.

The tobacco selling season will begin with Lilongwe Auction Floors opening on April 20, TCC Chief Executive Officer Kaisi Sadala announced. This will be followed by Chankhomi opening April 22, Limbe Floors on April 27 and Mzuzu Floors on May 4. All auction floors will be taking measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to ensure that farmers will successfully sell their crops. This will include restricting entry to AHL tobacco selling premises to only those who have critical tasks to perform.
According to the report, those permitted entry will be required to wash their hands at the entrance gate, as well as wipe their feet on a chlorinated rug and undergo temperature scanning. Those who are found to have a high temperature will be referred to a clinic on the premises. Regular sanitisation will also take place throughout the four locations.
To ensure social distancing takes place, the number of people allowed on the floors will be limited to 100 and staff will be ordered to leave the floor once they have completed their tasks. Some tobacco sales will also be conducted in shifts. Growers will not be allowed to witness sales, as they will be represented by their association or AHL staff, although they will be able to access sales information through an online platform.