THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Country Market will remain open, but only to vendors selling food.
The decision was given the stamp of approval by the Thunder Bay Health Unit, which intends to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary.
“While restaurants, bars and large gatherings over 50 people have been ordered closed, under Ontario’s emergency declaration, grocery stores are a vital resource that need to remain open to the public. Many of the vendors at the Thunder Bay Country Market fulfill a similar role to grocery stores,” writes public-health inspector Melissa Syrja in a letter outlining why the decision was made.
There are a number of conditions in place.
In addition to only allowing food vendors, no dining on site is allowed and the dining site is to be physically restricted with signage, restraints or the removal of tables and seats.
No more than 150 people are allowed into the market at any given time and patrons are requested to remain two metres apart.
Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer must be provided and single-use disposal containers, provided by the vendor only, must be used for take-out sales.
Samples and self-serve items are also prohibited.
High-touch areas will have to be more frequently disinfected, as will public and staff washrooms.
Finally, patrons will be asked to get in and get out quickly, and not linger at the market.
