COVID-19 LETTER 2020 NATIONALS
March 17, 2020
With the National Field Trial quickly approaching, we must address our current position on the COVID-19 coronavirus.
NO SOCIAL EVENTS/GATHERINGS
The trial is set to run as scheduled. We are CANCELLING all social activities. There will be no catering or food provided. There will be no breakfast, lunch, or dinners provided. The clubhouse
will be closed except as needed for field trial officials. The drawings will generally be held only
in the presence of the stake manager, secretary, and/or field trial committee. There is no plan to pre-draw any events because of the fluidity of the situation. We will post and announce the draws
outside the clubhouse and by social media and email. There will be no calcutta or other such
events. We ask that people do not congregate around the clubhouse. We will do everything we
can to spread information outside of a group setting.
CDC RECOMMENDATIONS
Attached to this letter is an advisory based upon information from the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC). We appreciate everyone’s commitment to the recommended prevention methods.
SCRATCHES
We encourage anyone that needs to scratch dogs from the event to please let us know as soon as
possible. If you know at this time that you have scratches, we would greatly appreciate that
information for planning now. Please email scratches to the Lori Rezzardi, the trial secretary, at
lrezzardi@gmail.com.
STAY TUNED
This email is being sent to all email addresses provided on the official entries. Please share this information with anyone that may be attending. If you are a pro that entered dogs for clients that may be planning to attend, please pass this along to them.
This is a constantly changing situation. We will provide updates if any plans change.
Sincerely,
Chad Inderman
On Behalf of The 2020 NGSPA National Field Trial Committee
COVID-19 Advisory
Source: Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov)
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with
this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then
touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid
being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
o CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from
respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
o Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of
the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking
care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom;
before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
o If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Watch for symptoms
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
Stay home except to get medical care
• Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should
restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
• Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in
your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick
with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other
animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with
animals until more information is known about the virus.
• When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick
with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing
food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after
you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
• Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may
have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting
infected or exposed.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle)
or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
• If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it
causes trouble breathing), then people who live with the person who is sick should not stay in the same room
with them, or they should wear a facemask if they enter a room with the person who is sick.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
• Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are
not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean your hands often
• Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your
nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
• Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.