Agenda - Council - 05/12/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COVID-19 Guidance for Minnesota Farmers' Markets and Vendors This document provides suggestions for markets and vendors to implement in order to stay open under Governor Walz's Executive Order 20-04 that closed restaurants, bars and other businesses where people gather. Farmers' markets are exempt from this order as long as they do not offer onsite food consumption (including food sampling). Markets are also encouraged to do drive throughs, follow 6-feet social distancing, and promote handwashing. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is waiving the requirement for markets to buy a food license on a discretionary basis if the reason is modifications made to the market structure and/or sales to comply with Executive Order 20-04. Once the COVID-19 crisis passes and a market chooses to continue operational activities in the same way that would require a license, the market will have to buy a license. Guidance for Markets Evaluate the current layout; see if it can be redesigned to build in six feet of separation and minimize the amount of time people spend mingling at the market. The following are suggestions gathered from farmers' markets across the U.S.: Consider alternate locations that could allow drive through or pick up Place stalls at least 6-feet apart Place an empty table in front of all vendors' display tables, using that table to place purchases; exchange money Widen the aisles between the rows of stalls Tape/chalk 6' markings in all aisles to show customers where they can stand to maintain 6' of separation with each other Place handwashing stations at entrances, requiring everyone to wash their hands upon entering Create a border around your market, limiting entrances and exits (Fencing, tape, rope are all options) Add signs to the border stating "Please enter through the entrances with the handwashing stations:' If feasible, limit the number of customers in the market at one time Increase signage at the market, considering the following examples: Wash your hands »> here is the handwashing station. Maintain 6' distance.