Prague farmers markets are closed due to COVID, here is how you can still support them

New coronavirus measures were announced last week with the Czech government announcing a new raft of measures including the closure of farmers markets. The new restrictions came into force on Saturday.

With a number of stalls at the markets selling fresh products that require a quick turnaround in sales and their businesses unable to operate in person, these markets still need help and custom but there are ways in which you can support them even if you cannot do so physically.

A number of farmers markets have posted contact details where you can order fresh produce or other items they sell directly. According to Lidovky, the Prague Market in Holešovice has asked the Ministry of Health to grant an exemption from the sales ban.

Market spokeswoman Kateřina Písačková published a list of sellers with contacts on her website so that customers can order goods from them.

Lidovky also reports that the government banned sales in markets, stalls, and various mobile devices, as well as walking and door-to-door sales, although the ban does not apply to mobile shops selling food and drugstore goods in municipalities where these goods cannot be purchased in another establishment.

She added, the market management is also aware that the more government regulations are followed, the sooner life could return to at least somewhat normal tracks.

The Pražská tržnice (Prague Market) website currently has a message saying "according to a government order, the fruit and vegetable market will be CLOSED from Saturday, Jan, 30 2020. We will do our best to reopen! In the meantime, contact your favorite sellers and arrange a personal collection of goods."

A list of sellers can be found including email and contact numbers for people who run stalls at farmer's markets usually here. Some of the stalls have social media profiles that are also linked and can be contacted for ordering. Stalls range from fruit and vegetables to sausages to bioproducts.

Other markets such as Karlín Market took to Facebook to confirm the market would be closed, they said, "we wish you good health and are looking forward to seeing you in future."

Some market stallholders have dedicated e-shops with Farmy u svaté Anny and Sojofka which sell dairy products and Asian food products respectively having online stores where people can buy products directly.

If you know of any farmer's market stalls that offer an e-shop service let us know via social media and we will add them to the list.