Health unit strongly discourages even small yard sales

Lawn pirates and driveway dealers haven’t technically been ordered to stand down, but the region’s medical officer of health is strongly recommending against even small yard sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We ask the public to bear with us. Re-opening stages, and going back to the normal lives we had before is not going to happen overnight, and garage sales are not at the top of that list,” said Dr. Ian Arra, Grey-Bruce’s medical officer of health.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit released its considerations for the exchange of second-hand items on Wednesday, and the release caused some confusion.

The Township of Huron-Kinloss immediately announced that all garage sales and yard sales were prohibited throughout the region, but then issued a corrected release Thursday morning after receiving clarification from Arra.

Garage and yard sales with more than five people were already prohibited by the province, as all social and public gatherings exceeding five individuals are outlawed in Ontario under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Ontario recently extended its emergency order until May 19.

Locally, dealing with less than five cash-carrying customers in the driveway is simply “strongly discouraged” according to the health unit’s release.

However, the health unit is warning residents to review their own municipalities’ advice as some may extend a prohibition to all yard sales, and could enforce the new rules with by-law officers or local police.

“The hope is the public will do the right thing. If we realize these activities and garage sales are taking place despite the recommendation, we will go to prohibiting it,” Arra said.

If a small gathering of people finds themselves needy for a little bartering, they’ll still need to make sure they’re adhering to physical distancing measures and practicing proper pandemic hand hygiene. Also, evidence suggests wearing a mask may help cut down virus transmission while transacting.

For people who still wish to turn their trinkets into treasure amid a global health crisis, the health unit suggests turning to social media and various online platforms. Some of which, in the Grey-Bruce region, have multiple-thousands of followers subscribed to a bevy of different internet re-sale pages and applications.

These “online yard sales” advertise everything from bicycles to landscaping materials, clothing and cookery.

The health unit notes that even the online sale of used goods creates an inherent risk, as some form of physical interaction could occur upon consummation of the deal during the pick-up, delivery, or an exchange of cash.

The health unit says people would be best suited to delay any kind of wheeling and dealing for the time being.

However, as long weekends lie ahead, it’s assumed there will be some who simply can’t resist an old fashioned backyard bargain.

Social media posts made Wednesday decrying the health unit’s discouragement boasted about recent sidewalk sales where everyone respected the new rules of engagement.

Arra said the strong reaction may be a case of “messaging fatigue” as people are continually asked to suspend their personal liberties despite the improving and low numbers of COVID-19 cases in the region, and a subdued fallout compared to other areas of the province.

“With any public health intervention, the goal is to prevent something from happening, so, if you’re very successful, you’re really eliminating the source of concern,” Arra said. “Any successful activity is the victim of its own success in public health.”

He warns the seemingly positive numbers and stats in Grey-Bruce are not to be perceived as nearing a finish line.

“It’s clear evidence of flattening the curve, but people shouldn’t lower their guard. The virus is still out there. It wouldn’t just disappear,” he said.

Should garage or online sales still occur, the health unit suggests people use contactless payments like e-transfers, rather than cash. Also, the health unit suggests the use of contactless pick-up and drop-off methods such as curbside pick-up and doorstep drops.

The health unit strongly suggests sellers do not allow buyers into their home and reminds potential profit-seekers that anyone with symptoms should not be interacting, let alone transacting with the general public.

Do you need a Injury Attorney in The Greater Toronto Area?

Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers is a leading Toronto injury law firm. Our attorneys feel it is their responsibility to assist you to discover the government as well as health and wellness organizations that can also aid you in your road to healing.

Neinstein Injury Attorneys has actually handled major personal injury claims across Toronto for over 50 years. Its areas of proficiency include medical, legal, and insurance concerns associated with medical neglect, motor vehicle mishaps, disability claims, slip and falls, product liability, insurance disputes, and more.