The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Health director issues guidelines for garage sales

Oak Park Public Health Director Mike Charley has released guidelines for residential garage, yard and outdoor sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the recommendations are establishing one-way traffic flow, limiting customers to 10 at a time with proper distancing, wearing face coverings and having hand sanitizer available for shoppers.

While the Village does not regulate garage sales via a permit process, certain rules do apply even in normal times, including hours of operation, where goods may be displayed and promotional sign posting. 

The additional guidelines are intended to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, which health officials say is most often spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled by into the lungs. Studies suggest COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

"As with every activity where you could come in contact with people outside your household, we recommend exercising caution when hosting or visiting a garage or yard sale given the continue spread of COVID-19," Charley said.

The pandemic-related guidelines for garage, yard and outdoor sales are:

1. Limit the number of customers to no more than 10 at any one time during Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan.

2. Set up tables and chairs at least six feet apart.

3. Use heavy-duty tape to encourage a one-way flow for customers to follow throughout the sale premises.

4. Ask customers maintain a 6-foot distance from other customers if standing in line to pay for items.

5. Wear face coverings at all times during the sale.  

6. Clean all tables and chairs several times throughout the day using CDC guidance.

7. Make sure all merchandise is washed and dried and/or wiped down with a disinfectant product before placing on a table or chair for sale.

8. Wipe down all tables and chairs using disinfectant prior to opening for customers and at the end of each sale day.

9. Have hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content available for customer use.

Click here to view Health Director Mike Charley's memo outlining the guidelines