Advisory: New equestrian guidelines issued by state

New equestrian guidelines issued

Please be advised: The California Department of Food and Agriculture has released COVID-19 information for equestrian facilities in California and new guidelines for its Equine Medication and Monitoring Program. The full text of these documents can be viewed here . This has prompted OCFEC to move to the next level of emergency regulations.

In addition to the information outlined below and in the CDFA documents, OCFEC will now require everyone entering the Equestrian Center to sign an insurance waiver. Until further notice, the waiver must be signed before access is allowed. The waivers are available in the Equestrian Center Office.

As directed by CDFA, here are key rules for working with horses at the Equestrian Center until further notice:

Access is restricted to essential personnel (veterinarians, equine caretakers, trainers and essential owners).
No nonessential persons (students, friends, family members, etc.) may enter the facility.
No access to the facility will be allowed to anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19, or who has been exposed to a person with symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath, or fever). View the CDC’s COVID-19 symptoms here.
The number of personnel at any one time will be limited to ensure physical distancing. A sign-up form will be used to limit the number of individuals at the facility at any one time.
All individuals must stay six feet apart and must not congregate.
In accordance with county regulations, all individuals must wear a face covering while on the premises.
Anyone entering the facility must sanitize their hands and do so again when leaving.
Facility activity is limited to animal husbandry actions necessary to sustain animal health and welfare, namely, grooming, feeding, watering, cleaning of stalls and exercising. Only minimal exercising is allowed and no lessons of any type are permitted.

Thank you for your continued adherence to Equestrian Center regulations and for working to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Questions? Please visit the Equestrian Center Office or call 714-708-1652.

NEWS ABOUT FAIRGROUNDS USE

FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF

OCFEC leadership is currently in talks with state, county and city agencies regarding the use of the fairgrounds for emergency purposes. We have received notice that 10 trailers will be delivered today to the corner of parking lot G, nearest Gate 10, for potential emergency housing. Also, three buildings in the Main Mall area are being considered for emergency medical use. Details about how the facilities will be utilized and who will occupy them is not yet known. The timetable is also in the works as talks continue. When information becomes known, we will issue an advisory.

Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility as it is determined how the fairgrounds will be used to assist our community during this unprecedented crisis.