On Thursday July 30, 2020 Maryland Governor Larry Hogan updated his Executive Orders relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Here are the updates as we feel they relate to the Maryland Horse Industry:
Re: Social distancing. The "ten person limit" is no longer in the specific language of the current Executive Order. Instead, the Order says:
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It is strongly recommended that all Marylanders continue following the most current guidance from CDC and MDH regarding social distancing, including, without limitation, avoidance of large gatherings and crowded places.
Re: Face masks. Face masks are now required in all indoor public spaces, and outdoors where social distancing is not possible. See the link above for complete info, including allowable exceptions.
Travel Advisory. State health officials also issued a public travel advisory, recommending against travel to states where the rate of positive COVID-19 tests is higher than 10 percent (currently Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Texas). Those who are returning to Maryland from these nine states are also asked to undergo a coronavirus test and quarantine until they receive the results. Out-of-state travelers are also encouraged to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours ahead of arrival. This is an advisory/recommendation; it is not mandatory.
USEF Warning. In an update issued on July 29, the United States Equestrian Federation decried the lack of compliance at some shows with its COVID Action Plan. Therefore, effective immediately, USEF mandated "the use of face masks/face coverings at all times while on the competition grounds except when mounted on a horse or driving a horse-drawn carriage or cart." In addition, USEF stated that "individuals who continue to demonstrate non-compliance with social distancing or mask/face covering requirements will be promptly removed from the competition grounds by competition management."