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 serve to protect the health of industry staff, participants and the wider Victorian community; maintain 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs; and ensure daily care and exercise can be afforded to all thoroughbred racehorses.
The following changes relate to the increased presence of COVID in New South Wales and new orders issued by Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer.
Updated New South Wales Travel Restrictions
Red Zones
The Victorian Government today announced that the following New South Wales (NSW) Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been designated as a ‘red zone’ with effect from 1.00am (AET) on Friday, 25 June 2021:
- Greater Sydney
- Woollongong
Greater Sydney includes the LGAs of Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Hunter’s Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Shellharbour, Sutherland, City of Sydney, The Hills, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Woollahra.
Any Victorian resident who has been in one of the red zones (other than for transit) must obtain a red zone permit to enter Victoria and will be required to quarantine at home for 14 days.
Any non-Victorian residents who have been in one of the red zones (other than for transit) are not permitted to enter Victoria.
Any licensed or registered participants who are required to undergo 14 days quarantine will need clearance from RV Stewards before being permitted to attend any racecourse or licensed premises at the conclusion of their quarantine period.
Any licensed or registered participants who have been in or visited Greater Sydney or Wollongong since 11 June 2021 are asked to contact RV immediately by calling the Stewards or emailing crisismanagement@racingvictoria.net.au.
Please note that the industry’s protocols around interstate travel are enhanced to provide an important layer of security for Victorian racing. They can be viewed by clicking here.
Owner Attendance at Racecourses & Licensed Premises
In addition to compliance with all Government directives, effective from 1.00am (AET) on Wednesday, 23 June 2021, any owners who have spent time in a NSW red zone from 11 June 2021 are not permitted to enter a Victorian racecourse or licensed premises in the 14 day period following their arrival in Victoria.
Any owner who has spent time in a NSW red zone from 11 June 2021 and subsequently attended a Victorian stable prior to 25 June 2021 is required to notify the trainer immediately.
Horse Transportation from NSW into Victoria
For the avoidance of any doubt, transportation of horses from NSW red and orange zones to Victoria remains permitted provided that the horses are transported by an approved float company that is permitted to do so under any Government directives.
Conclusion
RV will continue to monitor the situation in NSW closely and will make changes to the industry’s biosecurity protocols as required to ensure the safe continuation of racing and training in Victoria.
Where changes are made further updates will be provided so please remain alert to further communications from RV and/or the Victorian Government.
All licensed participants and owners in Victoria are asked to follow all public health advice and to stay home and get tested if they, or anyone they live with, is unwell and displaying any COVID-19 symptoms.