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.
RV’s 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.
Queensland Lockdown
The Queensland Government has ordered a three-day lockdown of the below Local Government Areas (LGAs) from 6pm (AEST) tonight (8 January), until 6pm (AEST) Monday, 11 January.
Queensland LGAs:
- Brisbane City Council;
- Moreton Bay Regional Council;
- Redland;
- Ipswich; and
- Logan City Council
(known collectively as the ‘Greater Brisbane Area’)
Any Victorian in these areas should not leave until at least Monday, 11 January. All Victorians in these areas are advised to follow the guidance of the Queensland Government, and any Victorian with plans to travel to these areas should cancel them.
Travelling from Queensland into Victoria
Any person who has been in, visited or travelled through the Greater Brisbane Area since 2 January 2021 should get a COVID-19 test and remain at home or place of accommodation until Monday (11 January), when a further assessment will be made by the Victorian Government.
Victorian Racecourses and Licensed Premises Access
Any person, or any person who has been in contact with a person who has returned to Victoria from (or after visiting or travelling through) the Greater Brisbane Area since 2 January 2021 must not enter a Victorian racecourse or licensed premises for at least 14 days and until such time as they have satisfied all Victorian Government directives around testing and/or self-isolation / quarantine.
Licensed participants are requested to contact RV Stewards immediately if they have returned to Victoria from the Greater Brisbane Area in the last seven days.
Licensed participants will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test and obtain permission from the RV Stewards before being permitted to enter any Victorian racecourse or licensed premises.
A full update from Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services can be accessed here.