COVID-19 Coronavirus Information

Racing Victoria (RV) is working closely with the Government, health authorities, medical experts and stakeholder groups to navigate the challenge that the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has presented for all Australians.

As at 17 March 2020, racing is proceeding in Victoria without crowds and with a range of protocols in place to help achieve this, whilst protecting the health and wellbeing of industry staff, participants and the wider community.

The information provided by Racing Victoria on its website is a guide only.

Whilst Racing Victoria will do its best to review and update any information as and when required to address updates from Government, you should make sure that you monitor and review the current advice and requirements of the Australian and Victorian Governments (and other States as applicable) to ensure that you are acting on the most up to date information.

In the event of any inconsistency between any information on this website and any relevant State or Federal Government requirements, you must strictly comply with the latter. Any information provided does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on as such.
You should always consider whether any material provided by Racing Victoria is suitable to your circumstances and obtain any professional and/or medical advice you consider necessary.

Whilst Racing Victoria endeavours to provide up-to-date and accurate information, Racing Victoria does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material on its website or any linked site. Racing Victoria accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to any material on this website or on any linked site.

The Federal Government has released the COVIDSafe app to assist in quicker contact tracing. The ability to swiftly identify who’s had contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 is critical to stopping the spread of the virus now and into the future. If you want to learn more about the app, click here.

What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection.

How can I help prevent the spread of coronavirus?

Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and keeping your distance from others when you are sick is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.
Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and wash your hands.
If unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people).
Exercise personal responsibility for social distancing measures.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is one way to help slow the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. Social distancing includes staying at home when you are unwell, avoiding large public gatherings if they’re not essential, keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible and minimising physical contact especially with people at higher risk of developing serious symptoms, such as older people and people with existing health conditions.

Who needs to isolate?

All people who arrive in Australia from midnight 15 March 2020 or think may they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

What does isolate in your home mean?

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you must stay at home to prevent it spreading to other people. You might also be asked to stay at home if you may have been exposed to the virus.

Staying at home means you:

do not go to public places such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university
ask someone to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door
do not let visitors in — only people who usually live with you should be in your home

You do not need to wear a mask in your home. If you need to go out to seek medical attention, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.

For more information, visit www.health.gov.au/covid19-resources

What do I do if I develop symptoms?

If you develop symptoms (fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath), particularly within 14 days of arriving in Australia, or within 14 days of last contact of a confirmed case, you should arrange to see your doctor for urgent assessment.

You should telephone the health clinic or hospital before you arrive and tell them your travel history or that you may have been in contact with a potential case of coronavirus.

You must remain isolated either in your home, hotel or a health care setting until public health authorities inform you it is safe for you to return to your usual activities.

Who are considered vulnerable people?

For your information: On Monday 30 March 2020, the Government provided strong advice that the following persons are, or are likely to be, at higher risk of serious illness if they are infected with the virus:

People 70 years and older
People 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions
People with compromised immune systems.

This information is regularly updated and we encourage you to read the Prime Minister’s speech which can be found here.

What are the key health contacts?

For the latest advice, information and resources, go to www.health.gov.au

Call the National Coronavirus Help Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

If you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.

Where do I go for information on Government support?

Following are some of the key online information sources from the Australian and Victoria Governments for businesses and individuals seeking up-to-date information and support during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic:

For the latest COVID-19 coronavirus news and information from the Australian Government visit: https://www.australia.gov.au/ and from the Victorian Government visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/
For information on the Australian Government’s Economic Response to COVID-19 coronavirus including the JobKeeper Payment scheme visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus
For information from Services Australia including Centrelink and the JobSeeker program visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
For information about Australian Tax Office’s measures and tailored support for businesses, employers and individuals visit: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/COVID-19/
For advice, updates and support to help businesses plan and respond to the COVID-19 coronavirus: https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-planning/illness-and-business-management-plan/coronavirus-business-support

Outside of Government services, the major banks are important contact points for businesses and individuals. Following are links to COVID-19 coronavirus information pages developed online by the major banks:

We're Racing For Them

There are among 110,000 people employed or participating in Victorian racing. During the COVID-19 pandemic they’ve worked hard to keep racing going for two reasons – for their livelihoods & because they #LoveTheHorse. That’s why we’re #RacingForThem.

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