Namdevco vendors to wear masks, gloves,eyewear

Vendors will now be required to wear masks, gloves and eyewear at farmers' markets and wholesale markets at Debe and Macoya across the country.

The decision was made by the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (Namdevco) on Friday, after g the announcement of the first confirmed covid19 case by Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh on Thursday afternoon.

The changes came into effect at farmers' markets in San Fernando, Rio Claro and Point Fortin on Friday and will be instituted in all other markets from Saturday.

The statement from corporate communications officer Marisa Bernard said Namdevco made the changes to ensure the safety of vendors and customers.

Space allocations are being expanded at all farmers' markets and walking areas for customers are being widened to reduce the risk of crowding and contact.

Markets will also be outfitted with hand sanitisers for customers to use while shopping.

The statement said, "While covid19 is not known to be a food-borne illness, Namdevco is emphasizing that usual good practices regarding the handling of produce throughout the food chain are essential for public health."

It also said farmers have been advised that produce usually consumed without cooking "must be bagged before being offered for sale. This includes items normally eaten raw like lettuce, kale, tomatoes, cucumbers and all fruits, whether or not the skins are consumed."

Namdevco also told the public to properly wash all fruits and vegetables before consumption.

It added, "We cannot overemphasise the importance of proper handwashing before, after and during food preparation activities in the home and workplace."

Bernard said all farmers have been advised of public health protocols that have to be adhered to. Namdevco employees have been assigned to ensure that this is done, and public health officers from the Ministry of Health will also monitor all facilities.