The Salt Lake County Health Department is advising residents against holding yard sales, as part of its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Getty Images)
SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — The Salt Lake County Health Department is advising residents against holding yard sales, as part of its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Officials recommend waiting at least until Utah reaches the yellow phase of the governor’s “Utah Leads Together 2.0 Plan” to begin attracting crowds to their yards.
But for those who just can’t help it, department spokesman Nicholas Rupp, said there are precautions to ensure best practices.
“Maintaining social distancing of at least six feet,” Rupp said. “They should wear face coverings when they’re interacting, and they should sanitize frequently touched items.”
One of the main concerns of yard sales is the use of cash to purchase items — a practice that has been abandoned by businesses in the age of coronavirus. Because this is typically inescapable for yard sales, Rupp recommends designating a single person to handle transactions — washing their hands after each purchase.
“You need to be washing your hands frequently,” he said. “Cash can carry germs and transmit infectious diseases.”
If the use of credit cards is feasible through a mobile app, Rupp said the sanitation of cellphones is increasingly important.
If hosting a sale, Rupp emphasized it’s important to adhere to recent guidelines given by Gov. Gary Herbert — only allowing crowds up to 20 people.