Coronavirus: Safety Guidelines For Farmers Market Shoppers

MINNEAPOLIS — The new coronavirus affects some of the ways shoppers can safely move around at farmers markets this season. As with any other essential trip, farmers market customers will be asked to go as one person rather than a family, wear a mask, preorder if possible, and keep 6 feet away from others.

Farmers markets are considered essential grocery providers by the state of Minnesota and can stay open under specific conditions that help prevent the spread of the coronavirus including:

• Shoppers stay at least 6 feet from each other and workers.
• All food is taken offsite before eating.

Shoppers can expect to see safety precautions set up at farmers markets such as:

• Borders set up around the market with limited entrances and exits.
• A limited number of customers in the market at one time. There may be a wait.
• Wider aisles with one-way movement and waiting areas.
• Credit card and no-touch transactions preferred.
• Hand-washing or hand sanitation stations.
• No samples offered.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Minnesota. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

And as with any other essential shopping during this time, customers should make sure to:

• Stay home if they or someone in their home is sick.
• Send only one person into the market to shop.
• Wear a cloth face covering.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Maintain a 6-foot distance from anyone else.
• Be efficient and not mingle.
• Not touch products until the vendor hands them their purchase.
• Preorder online if possible.

"Farmers markets are an important part of our food supply and are essential to our farmers," the city of Minneapolis said in a statement. "There has never been a more important time to buy local and contribute to a healthy local food economy."