COVID-19 Policy and Procedures
CLIENT GUIDANCE
All patrons are encouraged to use cloth or disposable face coverings while on the premises. All guests supply their own masks/face coverings.
Self-screening: Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms with the following questions:
- Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
- Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
- Have you had a fever (100 degrees or higher) in the last 48 hours?
- Have you had new loss of taste or smell?
- Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
Temperature checks: On the morning of your lesson, please take your temperature and if it measures over 100 degrees, please reschedule your lesson for another time.
Sick patrons: If you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., answer yes to any of the screening questions or who is running a fever) must leave immediately and seek medical care and/ or COVID-19 testing, per CDC guidelines.
Limit groups: Please avoid congregating and maintain safe social distances (six (6) feet). We have stations set for you when on lunch and other breaks. Break areas are set for indoor and outdoor situations.
Physical distancing: Please maintain proper social distancing with a minimum of six (6) feet where practical and safe to do so.
Shared equipment: Please do not share equipment with anyone.
CLEANING & SANITIZATION
Cleaning solutions: VRF has cleaning products, disinfectants, and protocols that meet all requirements for use and effectiveness against viruses, bacteria and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens.
Workplace cleaning: VRF implemented workplace cleaning and disinfection practices including sanitizing common surfaces.
Pre-shift equipment cleaning: VRF disinfects all touch points on all equipment at the beginning of each day and incidentally as needed throughout the day.
Equipment cleaning: All equipment must have contact surfaces cleaned and disinfected. These contact areas include all areas touched by patrons. All equipment is cleaned prior to each personal use and immediately upon return of VRF equipment. Each station is equipped with a receptacle to deposit the used equipment.
VRF Boarders: All boarders use their own personal equipment such as tack, helmets, and grooming implements. Tack will be cleaned in the designated area. Prior to securing your tack in the tack room obtain permission. Only boarders (one at a time) and VRF personnel are allowed in the tack room. There is no lingering in the tack room.
VRF Non-boarding Clients: Clients able to tack and untack their assigned horse at the specific stations (with safe distancing) must comply with the following procedures. The station is set and identified for each client to tack their assigned horse. All VRF equipment used by lesson clients is cleaned and disinfected. VRF staff clean and sanitize all helmets and equipment prior to each lesson and immediately after lesson completion. Once clients finish the post ride grooming and horse care; VRF staff disinfect all items and secure the grooming/horse care supplies.
Clients without the experience to tack and untack their horse are assigned a horse which is already prepared for the lesson. At the conclusion of the lesson, VRF staff assume the care of the horse. At all times the client is to maintain safe distancing. At this time, socializing is to be kept to a minimum while at the VRF facility.
COMMUNICATION
Online media: VRF intends to communicate any new safety and social distancing measures to all clients through online mediums, the VRF website, social media, and email communication. Where applicable, questions from clients are answered over the phone or chat software when not able to have face-to-face interaction.
Use technology: Where practical, use technological solutions to reduce person-to-person interaction for reservations and payment.
In addition to the specific guidelines for West Virginia outdoor recreation VRF may implement specific procedures for sanitizing such as receptacles for brushes, hoof picks, crops, etc. These items will be shared as necessary and when changes in VRF protocol are made.