How to shop safely at Minneapolis farmers markets amid COVID-19 pandemic

How to shop safely at Minneapolis farmers markets amid COVID 19 pandemic

Farmers markets in Minneapolis will be open this season but the COVID 19 pandemic is changing the way customers shop at them

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Farmers markets in Minneapolis will be open this season, but the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way customers shop at them.

Farmers markets are considered essential grocery providers by the State of Minnesota and can stay open during the pandemic, provided shoppers stay at least 6 feet from each other and workers and all food is taken offsite before eating.

Farmers markets, marinas, nurseries prepare for doing business during a pandemic

Summer businesses are preparing for changes that will come as the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause problems across the globe.

The City of Minneapolis says shoppers will see a number of safety precautions set at up at farmers markets this season, including:

Borders set up around the market with limited entrances and exits
A limited number of customers in the market at one time
Wider, one-way aisles with waiting areas
Credit card and no-touch transactions preferred
Hand-washing or hand sanitation stations
No samples offered

The city is offering the following guidance for farmers market shoppers this season:

Stay home if they or someone in their home is sick
Send only one person into the market to shop
Wear a cloth face covering
Wash hands frequently
Maintain a 6-foot distance from anyone else
Be efficient and not mingle
Do not touch products until the vendor hands them their purchase
Preorder online if possible

The main Minneapolis Farmers Market on 312 East Lyndale Avenue North opened last weekend, but many of the smaller markets do not open until May or June. The city expects about 22 markets to open this season.

A map and schedule of the Minneapolis farmers markets is available here.