Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Woodbine Entertainment and HBPA are making every effort to maintain training operations and we hope to continue barring any outbreaks. Please remember that not everyone infected may show symptoms. As such, we must implement strict measures to limit the amount of people accessing the stable areas. Daily security screenings at the East Stable Gate, including temperature checks, will be implemented effective Wednesday, March 18.
For Woodbine Entertainment and the HBPA the wellbeing of the horse people and access to care for the horses continues to be our number one priority. Therefore, ONLY essential people will be permitted to enter the backstretch, as per the list below.
Additionally, ALL horse people returning from the US will have additional restrictions for 14 days from their date of arrival back in Canada. This group will be granted access to provide only essential care for their horses in designated barn areas. This group will have no access to any common areas, including the training tracks and facilities until 14 days have passed and he/she has remained healthy and without symptoms of Covid-19. Trainers and exercise riders may wish to arrive in advance of horses to begin the restricted 14-day period, or make arrangements with locally based horse people, during this time.
For Horses Shipping into Woodbine from the US
Horses will be accommodated in specific barns and isolated as much as possible. Sanitization efforts are detailed below and must be followed by all people coming in and out of these specific barns.
All people returning from the US will be screened daily by Woodbine Entertainment Security at the Stable Gate, which will include personal temperature checks. Once an individual passes the screening, the individual will be permitted to go directly to the barn to care for only their horses for 14 days in the barn area. These individuals will be prohibited from visiting the backstretch kitchen or any other common areas. Social distancing must be practiced along with frequent hand washing.
People returning from the US or any international destinations will not be permitted to live in the Dormitory for 14 days after returning to Canada while also showing no symptoms of Covid-19. Alternate arrangements for accommodations need to be made for this initial 14-day period with friends, family or fellow horse people.
Please contact the HBPA if assistance is required to coordinate accommodations with fellow horse people.
Additional Safe Practices for Barns with Trainers and Staff Returning from the US;
· Foot baths to clean boots on the way in, and on the way out (ex. Vets, blacksmiths, exercise riders, NO visitors from other barns).
· Limit travel between barns. If you don’t have to go to a barn, don’t go. Social distancing is critically important.
· Disinfect all shared equipment or make sure only one person uses certain equipment and always sanitize hands after use.
· Wear protective outer covering including disposable gloves, rubber boots (covers) and keep separate clothes for use in the stable area (and separate clothes to wear home). When leaving the barn, protective clothing should remain in the barn area in a sealed container for your use only and wash as soon and as frequently as possible. Please do not leave outer covering or change of clothes in tack rooms with other clothing.
· Visitors to the dormitory are prohibited until further notice.
The following horse people will be permitted in the Woodbine Backstretch:
o Trainer
o AGCO Personnel
o Assistant Trainer
o Groom
o Hotwalker
o Exercise Person
o Jockey
o Vet or Vet Tech
o Blacksmith/Ferrier
o Horse Dentist
Access temporarily not permitted for non-essential horse people including:
o Owners
o Jockey Agents
o Other License holders listed above, that do not have active work that day
o Anyone under the age of 16
Please be reminded that all indoor common areas are closed and the Backstretch Kitchen is operating for takeout only. Any restaurant food deliveries must be met at the Stable Gate.
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