COVID-19 Community Communication
From the Silverton Farmers Market Board of Directors
As concerns about the spread of COVID-19 grow, farmers market operators across the country are wondering how best to respond. Markets are grappling with their role as public gatherings that are vital to providing access to healthy food for our community and the livelihoods of our farmers.
In response, the Silverton Farmers Market Board is closely monitoring communications from the CDC, State of Oregon, the National Farmers Market Coalition, and the Oregon Farmers Markets Association in order to determine the best way forward during this uncertain time.
Right now we’re committed to staying open. To accommodate this we’re modifying our Winter Market operations as follows:
We will remain at the Friends Church on Eureka, however all vendor operations will be moved outdoors with adequate distance between booths. We’d like to extend a big thank you to the church for their willingness to help us continue to serve the community in this way.
Additionally, all our vendors are required to follow the guidelines outlined below. Board Members will be on hand to ensure safe-distancing and recommended procedures are in place.
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Follow CDC rules for social distancing, washing hands, and not touching faces
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Wear gloves
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Use a bleach solution (⅓ c/gallon) to wipe down surfaces every 30 minutes
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Pre-bag as many items as feasible
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Separate the handling of food and money
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No sampling
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Consider other ways to minimize contact at the booth. For example, allowing customers to insert their card into a vendor’s card reader
This is all new and sudden, so please be patient with us as we make this shift.
Some vendors have made the decision to modify their operations to suit their own needs around this situation, including leaving the Winter Market at this time. The Board is in complete support of those vendors and wants to encourage the community to reach out to them directly for information about their modified operations. A list of our vendors can be found here.
We strongly ask that community members be mindful of their own health and safety, and stay informed of the guidelines for public safety when deciding to attend the Market. Of utmost importance is that we all do our part to protect ourselves, each other, and our community until this time has passed.
Check back often, or follow us on Facebook to stay informed as this evolves. Also, please send us a note if you have any questions or concerns.
Stay healthy and safe,
Silverton Farmers Market
www.silvertonfarmersmarket.com
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