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 regarding 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.
Queensland
The Victorian Government has declared 11 Local Government Areas (LGA) in South-East Queensland a red zone with effect from 8pm (AET) on Saturday, 31 July 2021.
The LGAs are: Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim.
As a result, any Victorian licensed or registered participant who is in or visits these South-East Queensland LGAs from 8pm last night is not permitted to attend any racecourse or licensed premises in Victoria until they have completed 14 days of quarantine, provide RV Stewards with a negative result from a COVID test taken on day 13 in Victoria and receive clearance from them to attend.
Any licensed or registered participant who is currently in, or has visited South East Queensland since 25 July 2021, is also asked to contact RV immediately either by calling the Stewards or by emailing crisismanagement@racingvictoria.net.au.
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 communication 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.