Hidden Harvest Ottawa: Covid-19 Guidelines for Tree Owners, July 2021

All tree owners willing to host a harvest event must indicate their agreement to the Guidelines below. New tree registrants in 2021 will automatically indicate agreement when they register; past tree registrants complete the form “COVID-19 Agreement Form - Tree Owners”, found here: https://forms.gle/MmEGEjB2kXVMaWrD8

The Guidelines outline the minimum standards to be followed. Changes may be made at any time in response to new information from Ottawa Public Health, and up-to-date guidelines will be posted on the Hidden Harvest Ottawa (HHO) website. Being fully vaccinated does not excuse anyone from following all of the Guidelines.

Please note: Harvest events require more effort during pandemic times. This may mean that not all fruit is picked, or that multiple events are needed to pick the remaining fruit. We will all be doing our best to rescue as much fruit as safely possible.

1. I will only host an event on my property if I am symptom-free and low-risk

• I will review the Ontario Government Self-Assessment Tool^[1] and only offer to host an event if I “do not have symptoms” at that time;
• If there is a change in my symptoms status or Covid-19 risk level, I will advise the Neighbourhood Leader in advance of a scheduled harvest event.

2. I understand that physical distancing efforts must be in effect at all times

• Tree owners will indicate the approximate size of the picking area on their property;
• If fruit pickers arrive on a site and find they cannot safely maintain 2m or 6ft due to unforeseen circumstances, the event will be cancelled;
• Tree owners will stay in the house during the pick. If necessary, any directions or instructions must be provided from at least 6 feet away;
• The tree owner’s share of the fruit, if applicable, will be left where appropriate to ensure contactless transfer. It is suggested that tree owners wash the fruit after receiving the delivery.

3. I understand that my contact information may be shared with authorities, should contact tracing be required at a later date.

4. I understand that if I fail to comply with the Guidelines, the event may be cancelled, and I may be removed from the tree list for the 2021 season.

5. I have reviewed and understand the ‘Tree Owner Best Practices’, below.

Tree Owner Best Practices

• Have a conversation with the Neighbourhood Leader in advance to ensure that the process is well understood. It is the Leader’s responsibility to reach out and the tree owner’s responsibility to meet them halfway and return their call or email;

• Make an effort to provide any bulky equipment required to pick your fruit. This may mean searching the back of your shed for a rake or asking a neighbour to borrow a ladder in advance;

• Sterilize any equipment lent out before the event and after volunteers have left your property (such as rake, ladder, compost bin), including removing any dirt and using a disinfectant according to the instructions of the product. The virus is easily inactivated by using simple disinfectants such as store-bought disinfectants, or a diluted bleach solution prepared daily.^[2] See below for DIY disinfectant options;

• Open the harvest site in advance and make equipment easily accessible so volunteers are not required to unhook gates, open doors, move furniture, etc. Volunteers should be able to walk right in;

• Provide a location for the collection of compost gathered during the volunteer’s pre-pick tidy of the area (sanitized green bin or brown compost bags). If a compost location is not provided, compost will be raked or gathered into a pile to one side. If a rake is not provided, volunteers will tidy the area as best they can;

• Further information regarding our operations and Guidelines for Volunteers, Neighbourhood Leaders, and Food Agencies can be found on our website:

• Volunteer Fruit Pickers:  https://go.hiddenharvest.ca/volunteer-guidelines
• Neighbourhood Leaders: https://go.hiddenharvest.ca/nl-guidelines
• Food Agencies: https://go.hiddenharvest.ca/partner-guidelines

• Please be kind, and err on the side of caution: We thank you in advance for your support and respect for each other and these Guidelines.

• To agree to these guidelines, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/Re1ypZWqz1XwUedA7

DIY Disinfectant for Equipment: You can use a sanitizing solution of either 75% or higher alcohol-based product or bleach at a concentration of 1 teaspoon (5 mL) per cup (250 mL) or 4 teaspoons (20 mL) per litre (1000 mL). Diluted bleach has a shelf life of 24 hours.  See Health Canada for more information.^[3]

Key Resources Used in the Development of HHO Covid-19 Guidelines

Ministry of Health: Safe Food Donation Reference

Ottawa Public Health: Guidelines for Food Banks, Donation Centres and Volunteers

        Volunteer Ottawa: Safety Protocols and Volunteer Resources

Government of Canada: How to Use Hand Sanitizer; How and When to Wear a Mask

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association: Resources for Growers and Workers