Racing Victoria (RV) wishes to advise of changes to the biosecurity protocols in place in Victoria to allow for the safe continuation of racing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The protocols, which are developed in accordance with all current Government directives, guidelines and advice, serve to protect the health of industry staff, participants and the wider community; maintain 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs; and ensure daily care and exercise can be afforded to all thoroughbred racehorses.
The protocols are continually reviewed based on Government directives, risk analysis, industry compliance, participant feedback and the broader community landscape.
Border Regions Exception
The order prohibiting any person who has been interstate from attending a racecourse or licensed premises in Victoria until they have completed 5 days of self-isolation, obtained a negative test and received approval from the Stewards remains in place, however an exemption is being provided for border residents who are licensed, registered or employed within Victoria.
The following, which took effect at 11.59pm on Friday, 16 October 2020, applies to Victorian/NSW/SA border residents only, that is, residents who are permitted, pursuant to current State Government restrictions, to cross the Victorian border with NSW and/or SA, and in SA referred to as “Cross Border Community Residents” (Border Residents).
This exception applies to Victorian racing industry participants and service providers only – it does not apply to owners.
Victorian/NSW Border
For Border Residents who are NSW residents:
- they must not travel to any part of Victoria that is outside of the border region or is a COVID-19 area of concern;
- if they do travel outside the border region in Victoria or to a COVID-19 area of concern their permit will no longer authorise them to enter NSW and they will need to apply for a NSW resident’s permit to re-enter NSW (requiring flight to Sydney Airport and quarantine); and
- provided they have complied with the above, they are permitted to attend any Victorian licensed premises, including racecourses and stables, in the border region.
For Border Residents who are Victorian residents:
- they must not travel to any part of NSW that is outside of the border region;
- they must not enter NSW if they have been in a restricted area in Victoria or in a COVID-19 area of concern in the previous 14 days; and
- provided they have complied with the above, they are permitted to attend any NSW licensed premises, including racecourses and stables, in the border region.
Victorian/SA Border
For Border Residents who are South Australian residents:
- they must be ordinarily resident in South Australia at, or near, a South Australian border;
- they must not travel further than 70 kilometres over the border into Victoria (if they do, they would be required to comply with SA Government self-quarantine requirements);
- they must travel for essential purposes only (which includes employment, education and organized sport); and
- provided they have complied with the above, they are permitted to attend any Victorian licensed premises, including racecourses and stables, in the border region.
For Border Residents who are Victorian residents:
- they must reside within 70 km of the Victorian/SA border;
- they must not travel further than 70 kilometres over the border into SA;
- they must travel for essential purposes only (which includes employment, education and organized sport);
- they must have had a COVID-19 test within the last 7 days (or on day 1 & 12);
- they must complete a Cross Border Travel Registration form, available on the SA website here; and
- provided they have complied with the above, they are permitted to attend any SA licensed premises, including racecourses and stables, in the border region.
The border regions exception is subject at all times to Government restrictions – with industry participants encouraged to check State Government websites regularly for the most up to date information.
Victorian racing participants should also review the Racing NSW and TRSA websites to ensure they are up to date with their requirements.
Full details regarding the requirements can be found in the Protocols for Industry Participants & Service Providers.