COVID-19 Update (Interstate Movement and SA Border Restrictions)
Racing Victoria (RV) wishes to advise of changes to the biosecurity protocols in place in Victoria to allow for the safe continuation of racing and training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The protocols, which were developed in accordance with all current Government directives, guidelines and advice, have served 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.
Interstate Movement between New South Wales and Victoria
Effective from 11.59pm (AEDT) on Sunday, 22 November 2020, participant access to NSW will be allowed coinciding with the NSW Government’s opening up of the border.
Licensed and registered persons will now be able to enter Victoria from NSW without mandatory isolation and COVID testing.
The current orders require those seeking to travel beyond the border bubble to isolate for five days and undertake a COVID test on the sixth day – this will no longer be applicable from Monday.
RV continues to monitor instances of community transmission in Australia and will revise its protocols on movement as appropriate to protect the industry.
South Australian Border Restrictions
RV notes the Victorian Government’s decision to implement temporary border controls with South Australia from 11:59pm yesterday, Thursday 19 November.
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, transportation of horses from South Australia (and other states and territories) to Victoria is allowed provided the horses are transported by an approved float company (as set out in Racing Victoria’s protocols) and is permitted by any Government regulations which are in force at the time.
The horses must be placed in the care of a Victorian trainer (to be approved by the Stewards) and be at that Victorian trainers’ stables by 9am on the day before they are due to race.
In light of the circumstances in South Australia (including the Government-imposed lock down), RV has reinstated its requirement that any licensed and/or registered person travelling to Victoria from South Australia must prior to travelling first notify RV of their intention to travel and then, after arrival into Victoria, undertake 14 days quarantine before being permitted access to a Victorian licensed premises or racecourse.