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.
Face Masks
Effective from 11.59pm (AEDT) on Sunday, 22 November 2020, the protocol pertaining to face masks changes to the following for all licensed and registered persons, staff and essential persons attending Racecourses and Licensed Premises:
•
You are permitted to remove your face mask only when outdoors and able to maintain a minimum of 1.5 metres between yourself and any other person;
•
You must carry a face mask with you at all times and will be required to provide evidence of this to be admitted to a Racecourse on raceday;
•
You must wear a face mask outdoors when you are unable to maintain a minimum of 1.5 metres between yourself and any other person including, but not limited to, when saddling a horse in the tie-up stalls, attending the veterinary block and legging up a jockey;
•
You must wear a face mask indoors at all times including, but not limited to, in jockeys’ rooms, scales areas, the stewards room and trainers’ lounges;
•
You must wear a face mask when travelling to/from a Racecourse or Licensed Premises in a vehicle, including a horse float, with another person whom you do not live with; and
•
You must put on your face mask at any time if requested to do so by an official or representative from Racing Victoria, a Club or your employer.
In making this announcement, RV notes that the directive remains in place requiring social distancing of a minimum of 1.5 metres from all other persons whenever possible.
Furthermore, and for the avoidance of doubt, all other industry biosecurity protocols remain in effect until otherwise advised and non-compliance may be subject to action by the stewards.
Crowds
RV notes the Victorian Government’s announcement today of a public events framework allowing for applications to be made for larger gatherings under COVID safe protocols.
RV, Country Racing Victoria (CRV) and the Metropolitan Clubs will be discussing this announcement with the Government over the coming days to best understand the framework and the opportunities it presents for Victorian racing.