On Thursday, April 16, the White House released "Guidelines for Opening Up America Again," a 20-page document outlining a tiered and regionally-based roadmap to get back to business. The guidelines are voluntary and authorize governors to implement either state-wide, or "county by county" timetables for easing restrictions on personal and commercial mobility. Importantly, the guidelines establish so-called "gating criteria," enumerating health-based benchmarks that serve as a prerequisite for different classes of business establishments to re-open. 

Mass gatherings including racing events and horse shows would fall under "Phase 3," which Administration officials are identifying as a state of relative control over risks associated with COVID-19 exposure. Talks between various private sector stakeholder advisory committees are underway to discuss tactics to comply with the spirit of the guidelines while limiting potential tort liability arising from new risks. These advisory committees include horse industry partners in the agriculture and sports communities. AHC will share details related to next steps as they unfold. To view a copy of the guidelines, go to the following link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Guidelines-for-Opening-Up-America-Again.pdf. 

From the American Horse Council.