Grocery stores and farmers' markets are also required to have plans for social distancing.

The next time you visit a grocery store in the District, make sure you have a face mask. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced new restrictions on April 8 for the stores and markets that sell groceries in D.C. After people flooded a seafood market at The Wharf on Saturday, the city has developed new guidelines for customers and employees at food markets.

The new order requires customers to wear a face covering and to maintain six feet between other shoppers. The mayor also wants people to avoid shopping if they are sick, only shop with people in their immediate household, and make visits as quickly as possible. The new rules apply to grocery stores, food halls, convenience stores, food banks, and any other place that sells food.

Businesses that fall under this category are also required to follow extensive rules to encourage social distancing and limit the number of customers in the store at one time. Stores need to make sure customers stay six feet apart, make aisles one-way if possible, and place markings on floors to be used as guides. They also need to provide proper cleaning and hygiene supplies at the entrances and exits and disinfect carts every hour. Customers should also pack their own groceries if possible.

Courtesy Coronavirus.dc.gov

Open-air markets will not be allowed to operate unless they apply for a waiver. Markets must submit a plan that includes how they will enforce hygiene and social distancing. Shoppers will only be allowed to buy prepackaged items and markets will be limited to selling food, soap, hand sanitizer, and fabric masks. 

Masks of all types have been difficult to find in recent days. The CDC has put together a guide on using face masks that includes directions for making your own sew and no-sew versions. You can make an easy no-sew mask with a t-shirt or a bandana and coffee filter.