Although many businesses have temporarily closed, the AVMA is advocating for veterinary hospitals and ambulatory practices to be considered essential businesses and remain open during periods of mandated business closures, This is because veterinary hospitals “provide important animal and public health surveillance, deliver essential medical care for ill animals, and ensure that only healthy animals enter the food supply.”
Source: DVM 360, March 17, 2020. Link. A March 15, 2020 letter to members detailed the AVMA’s work to help keep veterinary practices open, providing tips on how to best care for patients while maintaining a low personal risk, and how to conserve personal protective equipment. See the AVMA Covid-19 webpage <link>.