Health department addresses Lamar Fair food vendor concerns

With all the concerns surrounding COVID-19, the food vendors for the Lamar Free Fair have asked for some guidance on what additional measures need to be taken to help protect the safety of both workers and customers. According to Barton County Health Department Administrator Joel Dermott, the current food code for the county sufficiently provides the necessary safeguards for the preparation and serving of food at such events.

The issues that the health department are currently facing when dealing with COVID-19 revolve around the spread of the disease, which occurs via person to person contact.

The vendors have been advised that for those workers who are engaging the public in a manner where social distancing is not feasible, additional protective equipment should be utilized. The wearing of masks and gloves for those workers directly engaging the public is recommended. The use of plexiglass barriers is also highly recommended as a method of mitigating exposure. Individually wrapped service ware and condiments are also suggested.

In addition, enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols should be the standard. Frequent hand washing, which has long been a mainstay of the health department’s food code for vendors, is being strongly emphasized as well. The final suggestion is simply to stay home if you are not feeling well.

If a vendor has any questions concerning these recommendations please contact the health department at 417-682-3363.