Yard Sales and COVID-19

Date
Rusty chair with a garage sale sign

Should you wish to hold a garage or yard sale you must comply with:

  • the current provincial regulations limiting the numbers at outdoor social gatherings,
  • physical distancing guidelines (keeping 2 m or 6 feet apart from others) and the need for masks/face coverings if distance cannot be maintained, and
  • any further advice from the health unit.

Note that these requirements are subject to change. 

You must also comply with Middlesex Centre's property standards by-law with regards to yard sales (limited to 3 yards sales per property per year).
 

Considerations for hosting a Yard Sale

Should you choose to host a sale, you may find this guidance (originally from Southwestern Public Health) helpful in your preparations.

Seller/Host:

  • Have a plan to reinforce limiting the number of people to adhere to current gathering limits. This may include designating a person to monitor the numbers or posting signage at the end of your property asking people to wait if there are more than the number of people permitted
  • Position tables as far apart as possible to allow for physical distancing of 2m (6 feet)
  • Identify a specific traffic flow so that customers are moving in one direction by posting signs or taping arrows on the pavement
  • Have hand sanitizer available for yourself and for customers’ use
  • For cash exchange, ensure that you wash/sanitize your hands before and after touching the money
  • Designate a cash box space for customers to set their money down and retrieve change from rather than directly exchanging money
  • If physical distancing is difficult, wear a mask or face covering
  • Limit the handling of items as much as possible once your sale has begun – sanitizing hands before and after adjusting items
  • Food should not be sold at yard/garage sales

Customers:

  • Do not go out if you are feeling unwell
  • Clean your hands regularly and often (think before, during, after) when you arrive and leave the garage sale
  • Stay 2m (6 feet) from others while shopping
  • Have only one member of your household do the shopping
  • Look for the direction to follow the specific flow of traffic the seller has laid out for the sale
  • Consider wearing a mask/face covering, especially if you cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, or mouth
  • Limit the handling of items as much as possible
  • For cash exchange ensure that you wash/sanitize your hands before and after touching the money