Fall agritourism restrictions updated

Pumpkin spice and almost everything nice will happen this Fall, as Governor Inslee continues to update COVID-19 agritourism guidelines. Activities including hayrides, animal viewing, and bonfires are permitted in counties that have reached Phases 2 and 3 of the Safe Start Washington plan.

Agritourism is defined as a commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business for the purposes of entertaining and educating the visitors and generating income for the farm, ranch, or business owner. Businesses like Christmas tree farms, u-pick berry, and fruit farms, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes all fall under the agritourism category.

Agritourism businesses must require attendees to practice social distancing and wear a cloth face mask and are encouraged to have as many activities as possible outdoors, and covered areas must have optimal ventilation.

Businesses are also encouraged to use contactless forms of payment like debit or credit cards in place of cash. Cashiers will be required to disinfect counters and payment touchpads at least once an hour. Sanitation stations must be available for public use.

Corn mazes and haunted houses must have a one-way flow of traffic, and high-touch props should not be used. A transparent plastic barrier must be installed between actors/haunters and attendees. Reservations are encouraged to avoid congregating, and proper signage must be posted. On August 24th, the Walla Walla Corn Maze announced that they would not be opening for the 2020 season.

Activities like petting zoos, indoor haunted mazes, and high-touch activities like bouncing houses will not be permitted because they are not able to be sufficiently sanitized in between customers.

For full agritourism guidelines and restrictions, visit http://www.governor.wa.gov.