MASKS AT OUTDOOR MARKETS ‘HIGHLY ENCOURAGED’
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — If masks are required inside public spaces, what about outside?
The health unit, which is calling for everyone to where them indoors — effective July 13 (if not sooner) strongly urges everyone to wear face coverings now to keep COVID-19 in check.
A check today with the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit solicited this reply from Katelyn Burt to a curious and concerned reader.
“Masks are only required for indoor markets,” she said in an email.
“However, they are highly encouraged at outdoor markets if physical distancing cannot be maintained.”
So, there you have it. In Central Ontario, you should cover up.
And a visit to the scorching Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market this afternoon showed many are indeed already paying heed.
A quick look around showed many are already (or continue) to be wearing some cool masks and shields and trying to social distance.
Just getting into the market isn’t as easy as wandering in this summer.
A roped entrance line-up focuses attendees to pass by the hand-sanitizing station, where a smiling volunteer Denise Cooper staffed the cleansing station.
Inside, where you are directed through a maze of dozens of various vendors on a one-way circuitous route around the sports field at the Muskoka Wharf — many even if not all — donned all manner of identifiable masks.
Most were basic, medical grade or simply white. A few vendors wore plastic face shields or stood in behind Plexiglas barriers in the front of their tiny tents offering goods for sale.
One busy lady selling sun dresses had a big, toothy smile plastered on her mask.
Sue Stevens of Baggypants.ca was doing a brisk business selling masks.
Julie Belanger picked up a colourful one as she shopped with Ellen Yeo (one half of the kids musical duo Jam Sandwich).
The two Bracebridge ladies were among dozens meandering and shopping on a sun-baked afternoon on the shores of Lake Muskoka.
Families large and small milled about enjoying the day, seeming not too concerned.
Social distancing signs and small bottles of hand-sanitizer were available along each corridor so you can clean up after buying or touching products.
Not all food vendors wore masks, but a lot did.
One vendor placed change for a purchase on a table for a customer to pick up.
In total, maybe 40 per cent of those at the park wore masks.
Next week may be different.
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Masks popular at market
