By rdnewsNOW staff

VIRTUAL GARAGE SALES

Ponoka citizens encouraged to hold ‘virtual garage sales’

May 27, 2020 | 7:00 AM

PONOKA- The Town is encouraging those who are planning to hold a garage sale to consider hosting a ‘virtual garage sale’ instead, using free online platforms such as Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace and social media posts rather than holding an in-person event.

Physical garage sales are still allowed to be held in Ponoka, however, individuals who host or attend these events must comply with public health orders such as physical distancing (maintaining a distance of two metres or six feet from others who don’t live in the same household).

It can be difficult to successfully comply with public health orders and directives at a busy garage sale for the following reasons:

– A crowd of people can quickly gather in excess of the numbers allowed under public health orders

– Goods are being touched by multiple people

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– Cash is being transferred from one person to another

– There are interactions between patrons and the operator that may violate the six-foot physical distancing requirement.

If concerns about public health violations are reported, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will act on complaints, which may result in enforcement measures being taken.

“The Town is not prohibiting garage sales, but we are encouraging citizens to err on the side of caution by postponing planned sales and considering alternatives that allow for touch-free sales and curbside pickups instead,” said Tim Schmidt, General Manager of Planning and Infrastructure for the Town of Ponoka.

Citizens who do choose to host physical garage sales should plan in advance for how they will encourage physical distancing, frequent hand sanitizing, and compliance with other public health orders and directives throughout the duration of the sale.

For more information on the Town of Ponoka’s response to COVID-19, visit the Town website at www.ponoka.ca.

If you have questions, please phone the Town Office at 403-783-4431.