April 23, 2021: Recommended Measures for Farmers’ Markets Following a COVID-19 Exposure (PDF version available by clicking here)
These recommended measures are for farmers’ markets that have experienced a confirmed COVID-19 exposure. You will be contacted by Public Health in the event of an exposure. You can review Nova Scotia Health’s list of COVID-19 exposures by clicking here.
Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia (FMNS) recommends that all farmers’ markets follow the measures below and take a community-focused approach to determining whether your farmers’ market closes for any length of time following a confirmed exposure.
FMNS issues constantly updated farmers’ market sector-specific COVID-19 prevention plans that allow Nova Scotia’s farmers’ markets to adhere to restrictions imposed by the Health Protection Act order while continuing to safely operate and serve Nova Scotians. To view the most up to date plan, please click here.
Measures to be taken if your farmers’ market has experienced an exposure
- Your market should immediately inform any staff, volunteers, or vendors who were at your farmers’ market on the specified date and time with the following information:
- Individuals should immediately visit the following website to book a COVID-19 test, regardless of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms: covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca.
- Those without online access may call 811 to book a test.
- Requirements to self-isolate while waiting for a COVID-19 vary based on the exposure type. Information about the exposure at your market and self-isolation requirements will be made available at this website.
- You should also share this information with your followers via email and/or social media.
- Your farmers’ market may continue to operate, but you should refrain from allowing any employee, volunteer, or vendor attend your farmers’ market until they’ve received a negative COVID-19 test result.
- Ensure that the entirety of your farmers’ market is fully cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected before re-opening.
- Should your farmers’ market choose to remain open, you should publicly communicate the steps you have taken to ensure your market is a safe and clean space.
- Nova Scotia Health will request a contact tracing list of any staff, volunteers, or vendors who were at your market during the time of the exposure. You do not need to track visitors and/or shoppers.
- Nova Scotia Health will contact individual members of the public, as necessary.
