The BC Ministry of Health issued a statement on March 12th, 2020, stating “Effective today, we also directing all event organizers to cancel any gathering larger than 250 people. This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings or other similar events. This threshold has been selected, as it is much easier to maintain important social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19.”
Please note that BC Farmers’ Markets are first and foremost food retail establishments and a place to purchase food. They are NOT social events. To date, food and retail establishments, and farmers markets, are not included in the ban. British Columbians across the province must have access to food. A vital part of food security, Farmers’ markets are essential for BC residents to access food, now more than ever, as conventional grocery store supply chains may be disrupted by impacts from COVID-19.
Measures we are taking and asking of our customers and vendors:
– We are looking to add hand sanitizer stations, hopefully in place as early as tomorrow’s market.
– We have access to school washrooms, with soap and paper towels (we will also have signage indicating the location of handwashing stations).
– We will be asking customers to increase social distancing both the queue for the market to open at during the market.
– We ask that all vendors eliminate food sampling until further notice.
– We invite vendors to consider different ways of presenting and packaging food to reduce unnecessary handling. Even if temporary, and not ideal in terms of sustainable practices.
– We ask all vendors to use disposable gloves, where possible.
– We ask all vendors to regularly clean frequently touched items like credit card readers and touch screens.
– We ask all vendors, market staff, and volunteers to stay home if they are not feeling well.
We will be monitoring the situation closely and may institute further measures as required.
If you have any questions, please email.
