Open for business: Coronavirus brings changes as Punta Gorda Farmers Market reopens

The Punta Gorda Farmers Market is set to open for business once again Saturday morning.

The market went to an online platform in March after the city suspended all permits to limit large gatherings.

Although they are now allowed to reopen, the coronavirus has changed the way things are run for both vendors and customers.

As vendors arrive to set up their tents, they will first have their temperatures taken. If they’re running high, they’ll be asked to leave.

That’s just one of many new changes you’ll see if you come to the market Saturday.

“What we’re asking all the vendors to do is they have to be temperature tested so to make sure they haven’t got any fever or elevated temperature,” said Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce President John Wright. “We’ve also put into place separation of cash versus product so the same person is not handling both.”

Vendors will have gloves on and tents will be 10 feet apart.

Befort the coronavirus outbreak, 75 vendors set up shop at this farmers market. Now, it’ll just be about 45, with only vendors selling food permitted. That means no artists and no live music.

The Punta Gorda farmers market is back! Folks are welcome at 8 but asked to please wear a mask and of course social distance @winknews @PuntaGorda_FL pic.twitter.com/U0gjaYHOFP

— Sydney Persing (@sydneypersing) May 9, 2020

The city is asking if you do come to please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.

The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.