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 new orders issued by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer on red and orange COVID zones within other states and territories.
Industry Protocols
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.
South Australia
The Victorian Government declared the entire state of South Australia (SA) a red zone with effect from 11.59pm (AET) last night, Wednesday, 21 July 2021.
In addition, the Victorian Government has declared SA an orange zone, retrospectively as of 11.59pm (AET) on Monday, 12 July 2021.
Any licensed or registered participant who is currently in or has visited SA since 12 July 2021 is asked to contact RV immediately by calling the Stewards or emailing crisismanagement@racingvictoria.net.au.
Victoria and South Australia Border Bubble
The Victorian Government declared SA a red zone with effect from 11.59pm (AET) last night, Wednesday, 21 July 2021, whilst advising that the Victorian-SA ‘border bubble’ remains in effect.
As a result, any Victorian licensed or registered participant who does not reside in the Victorian-SA ‘border bubble’ and enters a SA border community (being a red zone) after this time is not permitted to attend any racecourse or licensed premises in Victoria for 14 days upon their return and until such time as they receive clearance from RV Stewards upon receipt of a negative COVID test.
Any Victorian licensed or registered participant who resides in a Victorian-SA border community and enters a SA border community (being a red zone) after this time is not permitted to attend a racecourse or licensed premises in Victoria outside the Victorian-SA ‘border bubble’ for 14 days upon their return and until such time as they receive clearance from RV Stewards upon receipt of a negative COVID test.
Any licensed or registered participant who resides in a SA border community (being a red zone) is not permitted to attend a racecourse or licensed premises in Victoria outside the Victorian-SA ‘border bubble’. If they travel beyond the Victorian-SA ‘border bubble’ they are not permitted to attend a racecourse or licensed premises in Victoria for 14 days from entry and until such time as they receive clearance from RV Stewards upon receipt of a negative COVID test.
Any licensed or registered person residing in an SA border community are asked to ensure that they are familiar with any additional requirements imposed by the SA Government regarding the region.
New South Wales
The entire state of New South Wales remains a red zone with effect from 11.59pm (AET) on Sunday, 11 July 2021.
Australian Capital Territory
The entire Australian Capital Territory remains a red zone with effect from 11.59pm (AET) on Sunday, 11 July 2021.
Queensland
The following LGAs in Queensland remain an orange zone with effect from 11.59pm (AET) on 22 June 2021:
- City of Brisbane
- Moreton Bay
The following LGA in Queensland remains an orange zone with effect from 11.59pm (AET) on 30 June 2021:
Horse Transportation into Victoria
Transportation of horses to Victoria from all states and territories 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 is continuing to closely monitor the situation both interstate and within Victoria 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.