April 3, 2020
The Little Italy Mercato Market closed last month due to rising precautions aimed at battling the spread of Coronavirus. Although the farmers market was able to reopen with limited vendors for one installment on March 21, the city subsequently forced them to close. After a successful appeal, the popular Little Italy Saturday farmers market will reopen on April 4, from 8am to 2pm. This week, the Little Italy Mercato will cover just two blocks, from India to Columbia and Columbia to State and feature 18 farmers and one fisherman.
"We continue to believe that people have to buy groceries, and that in these unusual times, carefully operated markets are the safest place to do that," posted Little Italy Mercato founder Catt White in a post to social media. "The Little Italy Mercato will open under strict City guidelines, maintaining minimum 6 foot distancing in queues and within the market, with at least 15 feet between farm stands. Entry to the market will be restricted with a maximum of 50 people allowed in the State Street block and 30 people on the Piazza. When we reach capacity, it’ll be one in, one out. We’ll be monitoring any queue that might form to be sure people stay at least 6 feet apart. We’ll be checking inside the market for the same thing."
In addition to strict social distancing requirements and monitoring, only one person per household will be admitted. The only exceptions will be required caretakers or a parent with a young child who has no other alternative. Shoppers will also be asked to be efficient in their purchasing and to leave immediately once finished. No pets will be admitted except for legitimate service animals. Hand wash stations will be available on-site. In accordance with San Diego County's order that all essential employees must wear facial coverings, all workers will be wearing masks and the public is suggested to do the same.
For more information about the Little Italy Mercato Certified Farmers Market, visit sandiegomarkets.com/.
