Public Health Feedback:

Nothing has come through from the Public Health Agency of Canada or  NS Health channels; however, yard sales were not part of the Order for closure.

If individuals choose to have or attend a yard sale, then they have to follow gathering limits as set out in the Health Protection Act order and follow general public health measures (physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette). Hand hygiene will be critical since there most likely will be handling of money (e-transfers could be considered) and objects (environmental cleaning will be important).

Nova Scotia has not put out any guidance documentation on this. Information provided on the PEI Health and Wellness web site (see below) is very thorough and is relevant to NS as well.

When setting up a garage or yard sale:

• Host a garage or yard sale only with members of the same household.
• Do not host a garage or yard sale if you are sick or self-isolating.
• Set up tables in rows with at least three metres (nine feet) between rows.
• Place posters encouraging physical distancing of two metres (six feet).
• Use visual cues like heavy duty tape on the ground to encourage physical distancing.
• Clean and disinfect all tables before placing items for sale on them.
• Clean and disinfect all items for sale when possible – wash and dry clothing and wipe down items with a solid surface.
• Clean tables several times through the day.
• Have hand sanitizer with at least 60% - 80% alcohol available for customers to use.

During a garage or yard sale:

• Maintain physical distancing of two metres (six feet) from customers and encourage customers to do the same.
• Wash hands often with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%-80% alcohol.
• Clean tables several times through the day.
• Encourage customers to view items for sale without touching or handling them, and clean and disinfect (if possible) any items that are handled.
• Ask customers to stand in a line, two metres (six feet) apart, during high traffic times.
• Wash hands with hand sanitizer before and after handling cash.
• Do not serve food or beverages.
• Non-medical masks may be used when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Non-medical masks are not a replacement for any of the above measures.

When visiting a garage or yard sale:

• Do not travel with members from other households.
• Maintain physical distancing of two metres (six feet) from other customers at all times.
• View items for sale without touching or handling them.
• If an item for sale must be handled, wash hands with hand sanitizer before and after handling.
• Wash hands with hand sanitizer before and after handling cash.
• Clean and disinfect any items purchased when possible – wash and dry clothing and wipe down items with a solid surface.
• Do not visit a garage or yard sale if you are sick or self-isolating.
• Take extra precautions if you are at increased risk, especially those who are aged 65 years and older, have a compromised immune system, and/or have underlying medical conditions.

Selling and purchasing private household items through an online marketplace:

• Provide and use cashless payment options whenever possible.
• Provide and use curbside or front-porch pick-up of items.
• Clean and disinfect all items sold and purchased when possible – wash and dry clothing and wipe down items with a solid surface.
• Suspend selling of items if sick or self-isolating.
• Do not pick up items if sick or self-isolating.