Yard Sales are Being Discouraged In Brant Due To Covid-19

Monday, 22 June 2020 08:59

While out in public right now, Brant County residents are being told to not host or go to any yard sales due to the risk of COVID-19.

BRANT COUNTY - The City of Brantford and County of Brant are now operating under Stage 2 of the Province’s re-opening plan and residents are reminded to be cautious when going outside.

Residents are being advised that the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advisory Committee strongly discourages people from hosting or going to yard sales because of the risk of COVID-19.

Organizing or visiting yard sales can increase exposure to the virus and lead to a spread across the community.

Here’s why: A series of preventative and protective measures are being put in place by retail businesses that are either open or continue to open, which is to create a safer environment for their visitors and customers. And it’s not guaranteed private yard sales would follow these same precautions.

The virus is spread through close contact with people and it would be difficult to keep a physical distance of two metres or six feet during yard sales. They say the number of visitors would also be difficult to control, and cash transactions would likely be the only way to pay.

Many yard sale enthusiasts tend to visit more than one yard sale and go to different homes in the same day, which is another risk of COVID-19 spread in the community and may make contact tracing difficult. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying lengths of time, so if someone touches an item, they could be exposed to the virus without knowing it.

The Emergency Operations Centre Advisory Committee is encouraged by the low transmission rates of COVID-19 in the region and by the County's ability to proceed to Stage 2 of the provincial re-opening framework.

The County wants to emphasize the importance of continuing to be extra cautious and vigilant by taking safety precautions to protect yourself and others. This includes wearing face coverings when it isn’t possible to keep a physical distance of at least two metres/six feet; washing/sanitizing your hands often; and staying home if you are not feeling well.

The County says as a community they must continue to do everything possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and if everyone continues to practice the recommended safety steps, the community will be in a better position to continue to keep the virus’ transmission rate low.