CK Public Health has released some information and tips for the community, regarding yard sales.
“It’s yard sale season in Chatham-Kent,” CK Public Health officials posted on their website.
“While picking up a unique find might seem harmless, picking up a COVID-19 infection is not.”
At all times, everyone should be taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, CK Public Health officials say.
“Become familiar with these before holding or going to a yard sale,” CK Public Health officials say.
“If you or anyone in your home are feeling ill (even if symptoms are mild), do not host or go to a yard sale. Stay home, self-isolate and contact a health care provider.”
CK Public Health officials added: “To keep yourselves and others safe, if you don’t need to hold or go to a yard sale, consider waiting until the pandemic has passed. Arrange to sell items online or set up appointments for buyers to limit the number of people gathering at one time, if possible. If you are holding or going to a yard sale, take (the measures listed below) to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.”
If you are holding a yard sale:
– Ensure there are no more than 10 people in total at the yard sale at one time. This includes the person(s) holding the yard sale. e.g. if one person is operating the yard sale no more than nine people can attend at one time. This also includes any other family members or residents of the home who are in the yard sale space. Physical distancing must be maintained with anyone outside of your household. You are responsible for preventing crowds and ensuring people stay two metres or six feet apart from one another at all times.
– Consider using signs, chalk, or other markings to show buyers where to stand to keep a safe distance. Two metres is about the length of an adult-sized hockey stick or mattress.
– Provide 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Ensure it’s used often, especially after any exchange of money.
– Reduce contact when exchanging money. If able, set up a contactless payment method, such as e-transfer. If exchanging money, maintain two metres distance (e.g. buyer provides payment and then steps back two metres, seller makes change if needed, then steps back two metres, etc.).
– Clean frequently touched surfaces. Such as tables and countertops often with household cleaner or diluted bleach solution. Ask buyers to avoid touching items for sale unless they are making a purchase.
– Do not allow buyers into your home. Keep items for sale in an open space outdoors or well-ventilated area.
If you are going to a yard sale:
– If possible, shop for used items online and arrange for delivery or curbside pick up. Limit your risk of being exposed to COVID-19 by avoiding groups of people.
– Limit the number of places you visit in one trip and stay local. Avoid travel, stick to yard sales in your community. And shop alone if you can.
– Stay two-metres or six-feet from others at all times. Avoid gathering in groups and having close range conversations. Two metres is about the length of an adult hockey stick.
– Pay online or provide exact change. So that you do not have to exchange money multiple times.
– Clean your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before leaving and after returning from shopping trips. Carry 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you to use on your trip.
– Do not enter another person’s home.
– Clean and disinfect any items purchased. And wash hands after handling shopping goods. Avoid buying items that are difficult to clean.
For more details, check out this video below:
