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.
Cairns and Yarrabah (QLD)
The Victorian Government has declared the Queensland Local Government Areas (LGA) of Cairns and Yarrabah a red zone with effect from 11:59pm (AET) on Sunday, 8 August 2021.
As a result, any Victorian licensed or registered participant who is in or has visited Cairns and Yarrabah from 11.59pm 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.
In addition, the Local Government Areas (LGA) of Cairns and Yarrabah have also been declared an orange zone retrospectively from 12:01am 29 July until the time red zones come into effect.
Any licensed or registered participant who has visited an orange zone and arrives in Victoria, is not permitted to attend a racecourse or licensed premises until they provide RV Stewards with a negative result from a COVID test taken on day six in Victoria and receive a clearance from them to attend.
Any licensed or registered participant who is currently in, or has visited these areas since 29 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.