Download a printable PDF version of this guidance.
The goals of these actions are to protect volunteers and employees working at community gardens. Community gardens are critical to the resiliency of local food systems in Pennsylvania. Below, we provide guidance for community garden volunteers and employees to protect against COVID-19:
Before Operations at the Garden Continue:
- Garden leadership should notify all members of new practices to follow when in the garden.
- Post signage restricting access to only those who are healthy to protect the well-being of all volunteers and employees; no one with a fever or respiratory illness should enter.
- Soap (if running water is available) or hand sanitizer (that contains 60%-95% alcohol) should be provided at the site.
- Ensure that at least six feet of social distance can always be kept between gardeners.
- If there is a shared tools library for gardeners, establish protocol for sanitizing tools after each use with EPA-registered disinfectants.
- Do not hold meetings at the garden, instead communicate by phone or internet.
Volunteers and Employees:
Volunteers and employees at community gardens should adhere to all guidance and orders by the PA Department of Health, including:
- Wear a cloth mask while at the garden to protect yourself and others.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, members can use hand sanitizer (that contains 60%-95% alcohol).
- Practice social distancing (six feet of separation) at the garden site and avoid gatherings of people to avoid risk of exposure during off-hours to remain healthy.
- High contact surfaces (locks, gates, hand tools, etc.) should be disinfected with diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and EPA-registered household disinfectants.
- Sick volunteers and employees should not come to the garden.
Additional Resources on COVID 19 Best Practices:
PA Department of Agriculture COVID-19 Resources
Updated 4/16/20