Download the COVID-19 poster for your NOTICEBOARD and GATE
The Government recently announced its Roadmap for the reopening of society and businesses. Phase 1, which starts on May 18th, includes people who work outdoors.
“A phased return of outdoor workers (for example: construction workers, gardeners, including people working on allotments) will be allowed. Social distancing requirements continue to apply.”
Based on this statement Dublin Community Growers are assuming that community gardens can consider reopening from 18th May on a phased, planned, and safe basis.
The safety of volunteers on site is of utmost importance and it is up to each garden to decide for themselves what is best for their garden.
We suggest that each community garden prepares a plan for the safe reopening of their garden, taking into consideration the following guidelines:
- Insure social distancing by volunteers working at least 2 to 3 metres apart – the number of volunteers will be dictated by the size of your garden, bearing in mind the Government guidelines allowing “up to 4 people not of the same household to meet outdoors while maintaining strict social distancing”
- Open the garden on a phased basis, restricting the number of volunteers per session. To facilitate all volunteers, consider organising more sessions during the week.
- Wash or sanitize hands before and after unlocking the gates to garden where relevant.
- Wash your hands regularly in the garden.
- Use your personal hand sanitizer if there are no hand washing facilities in the garden.
- Do not wash your hands in the water trough.
- Ideally people should bring their own garden tools. Otherwise, when finished using tools sanitize the tool handles.
- Volunteers should clearly avoid going to the garden if they are particularly vulnerable if they have coronavirus symptoms or a family member is self-isolating.
- Erect some Coronavirus COVID 19 Signs in the garden reminding volunteers of the public health guidelines.
- Inform all volunteers of the safe reopening plan prior to the reopening of the community garden.