Yes, we all hoped that we wouldn't still be doing this a year later -- and then some -- but alas, here we are.
Even with that bright light at the end of the tunnel, there are still just too many combinations of factors to take into account:
vaccinated or not?
at risk or not?
had COVID-19 or didn't?
have it but are asymptomatic?
So just like every other business that wants to stay open, we play it the safest way possible and follow guidance from the CDC, the state, the county, and the Town. That means...
We wear the masks in accordance with CDC guidelines.
We observe social distancing.
We don't come to market if we're sick.
We protect products and surfaces from contamination.
We use hand sanitizer and allow customers to do the same.
We don't eat or drink inside the Market...because that means the mask has to come off, and in the rock-paper-scissors game of COVID-19 hygiene, the mask ALWAYS wins.
If it makes it easier to remember, once you pass that magic line of yellow signs and step into the Market, you need to wear your face covering. If you're going to eat or drink your Market goodies, all you need to do is step out past those yellow signs. Otherwise you can expect someone wearing a lanyard like the ones in the photo to ask you to please step out of the Market or else put your face covering back on.
So just a quick recap of the big rules:
Face coverings must be worn properly in the Market (still, a year later, we see SO MANY people wearing masks under their nose, WHAT IS THAT)
Please observe social distancing (6 feet between you and anyone who's not with you)
No eating or drinking inside the Market (no, not even sample-sized eating or drinking)
Do not touch products you haven't already purchased
No pets or live animals in the Market (service animals are welcome)
No smoking in the Market (yes, that includes vaping)
No open alcohol containers in the Market
Please don't let this minor buzzkill keep you from coming to Market. We're so looking forward to seeing you there!