A COVID era Market Square will debut on June 13
There will be a different look and feel to the return of Market Square in downtown Swift Current on June 13.
The City of Swift Current will again be partnering with the Swift Current and District Farmer’s Market Association to host the ninth season of Market Square on Saturday’s starting on June 13.
However, significant restrictions will be in place to allow for physical distancing and other provincial requirements so the market is conducted in as safe a way as possible. The debut Saturday for the market will run only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Venders will be set up with adequate distance between booths to ensure physical distancing can be maintained.
The province has also put a restriction on demonstrations, live musicians, and kids play areas during the initial market opening timeframe.
“Market Square has become an integral part of our community over the years, and we’re happy that we can offer some of the services that patrons have come to expect,” City of Swift Current Chief Administrative Officer Tim Marcus stated in a recent press release. “Our priority is the health and safety of both our vendors and our patrons, and we are confident that the measures that we take will ensure just that.”
The provincial government has established a series of guidelines for public and farmers markets in order to be operated safely during the pandemic. One of the key requirements is that members of the public that are sick or symptomatic should not visit the market. Individuals who arrive with cold, influenza or COVID-19 like symptoms ( fever, cough or breathing issues) should be asked to return home. This restriction extends to vendors who are sick or symptomatic. Vendors should self-monitor for symptoms and use the self-assessment tool in determining whether they should attend or not.
A series of modified practices will be in place to ensure the safety of both customers and vendors.
Physical distancing will be ensured through limiting the number of individuals and family groups in attendance at one time. Safe physical distancing of a minimum of two metres will be maintained.
Facilities will be provided in order for people to wash their hands.
Additionally, increased cleaning and disinfection will be conducted in all areas, particularly those with common touch points.
Food vendors will be impacted by the new safety measures, with only take-away food (fresh, frozen and prepared foods) available during the first farmers markets of the year. Additionally, these food vendors must be considered essential services or an allowable business according to the provincial government’s regulations.
Vendors are being encouraged to pre-package foods to minimize contact by customers. Items like breads and muffins that are not pre-packaged must be stored away from customers and then packaged at time of sale. Vendors must dispense all food products, and customers are currently not allowed to provide their own containers.
Washroom facilities will be cleaned and disinfected frequently during the market. They will be stocked with soap, water and paper towels.
Full details on the requirements are posted at saskatchewan.ca/covid19.
The City of Swift Current will also be carefully adjusting their plan on a weekly basis according to updated and frequently changing provincial requirements.
“As restrictions continue to be lifted at the provincial level, we will incorporate these changes into the way we operate the Market,” Marcus stated. “We’re very fortunate that our efforts and sacrifices as a community during these last several weeks have brought us to a place where we can begin to slowly bring back the Market.”