COVID -19 Safety Tips in the Garden
by Eli Snyder
The garden can be a safe and healthful place for all of us
right now.
Phase 3
**Up to 25 people are allowed in the garden at any given time. However gardeners are strongly encouraged to practice physical distancing while gardening- stay 6’ apart, only one person in the shed at each time, bring own tools and sanitize shared tools after use, wash hands and sanitize frequently, wear masks to protect other gardeners.**
Still, each gardener has the responsibility to keep themselves safe and respect the safety and health of other gardeners. To reduce potential transmission of COVID-19 in the garden, plan to:
- Stay home if you are sick, think you may be sick, or have traveled in the two weeks prior.
- Maintain 6' distance from any gardener present while you are there. If someone is in the shed, do not enter until they leave.
- Consider wearing disposable gloves to avoid picking up germs from gates, spigots, etc.
- Bring & use your own tools as much as possible.
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Take time to wash, rinse, and then sanitize shared tools and surfaces after use.
- Bring your own hand sanitizer.
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Wash your hands after touching any common surfaces.
COVID-19 is not a food-borne illness. It is extremely unlikely that someone will catch it through eating. The virus is most likely to cause illness through respiratory transmission, not eating. The routes of exposure to be concerned about include: Being in very close proximity to other people, or coming in contact with high touch surfaces (​gate latches, padlocks, spigots, tool handles, doorknobs, banisters, etc.). Touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Additional resources
