Puyallup Farmers Market Adopts New Pandemic Safety Guidance

PUYALLUP, WA — It seems like every day we draw closer to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of the latest signs of improvement could be seen last weekend at the Puyallup Farmers Market.

Just before it opened for the weekend, the market announced Friday that they would no longer be requiring fully vaccinated patrons to keep wearing masks while shopping — though they do say they will continue strongly encouraging mask use for the near future. Vendors and staff will also still be required to wear their masks for now.

Another visible improvement: the market finally tore down the caution tape surrounding the park, bidding adieu to the designated entrances and exits that have corralled crowds since last summer.

The market says they decided to update their safety regulations in accordance to the latest guidance from the state. Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation, giving Washington businesses the option to allow maskless customers to shop indoors, if the customers have had all their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and have waited the two weeks for full immunity to kick in.

The Puyallup Farmers Market one of the latest groups to adopt the state's new guidance. Several other businesses like Target, CVS, and PCC Community Markets have also elected to drop their mask requirements.

Related: 'Honor System' For Masks Enough For Compliance: Inslee