COVID-19 Coronavirus Information

Welcome to the Racing Victoria (RV) COVID-19 Information page.

This page seeks to provide quick access to RV’s Media Releases, Industry Notices and key information. This page also provides links to other important sources of information, including to coronavirus information on the Victorian Government’s website and the website of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The information provided by RV on its website is a guide only. Whilst RV 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 by RV does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on as such. You should always consider whether any material provided by RV is suitable to your circumstances and obtain any professional and/or medical advice you consider necessary.

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

Download the Service Victoria app to check in to locations using QR codes. Link your COVID-19 digital certificate to the app as proof of vaccination.

The Victorian DHHS has released further information about potential exposure sites. To access the current list of these potential exposure sites (Case Locations and Outbreaks), click here.

COVID Vaccination Status Form

Racing Victoria’s (RV) Vaccination Condition of Entry Requirement (Vaccination Policy) is to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that we provide a safe and healthy work environment for those working at our workplaces in the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry.

The Vaccination Policy applies to all RV staff, as well as Licensed, Registered & Permitted Persons – our Authorised Workers.

COVID-19 vaccinations are a mandatory condition of entry** to RV Group Workplaces and Designated Licensed Premises (subject to a lawful exemption) from:

First Jab by 15 October 2021*
Second Jab (and therefore, fully vaccinated) by 26 November 2021*

* Please note this updated date is in line with the Victorian Government announcement, which brings the dates forward by one day for each vaccination.
** Please note that RV may be required to update its Vaccination Policy from time to time to ensure it meets Victorian Government public health directions.

To complete the RV COVID Vaccination Status Form click here. If you're having trouble completing the form, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

RV will ensure the request for health information and its collection complies with Privacy Laws. Our Privacy Policy which is available on our website at racingvictoria.net.au/privacy-policy

Media releases

The following media releases have been issued by RV on the industry’s plans around COVID-19.

November 2021

Media Release - Monday, 1 November (COVID-19 Update - Entry to Victoria from outside the State)

October 2021

Media Release - Friday, 29 October (COVID-19 Update - Face Masks & Stable Visits)

Media Release - Thursday, 21 October 2021 (COVID-19 Update - Orange Zone Entry Requirements)

Media Release - Saturday 16 October 2021 (COVID-19 Update – Red Zone Entry Requirements)

Media Release - Saturday, 9 October 2021 (COVID-19 Update)

September 2021

Media Release - Friday, 10 September - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Thursday, 2 September - COVID-19 Update - Information for cross-border communities

August 2021

Media Release - Saturday, 21 August - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Monday, 16 August - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Wednesday, 11 August - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Monday, 9 August - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Monday, 9 August - COVID-19 Update - Cairns and Yarrabah Red Zones

Media Release - Friday, 6 August - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Sunday, 1 August - COVID-19 Update - Queensland Red Zone

July 2021

Media Release - Friday, 30 July - COVID-19 Update - Attendance

Media Release - Thursday, 29 July - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Thursday. 22 July - COVID-19 Update - Interstate Arrivals

Media Release - Tuesday, 20 July - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Thursday, 15 July - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Tuesday, 13 July - Crowds to be excluded from today's Sportsbet-Ballarat meeting as a precaution

Media Release - Sunday, 11 July - Updated COVID Interstate Travel Restrictions

Media Release - Saturday, 3 July - COVID Update - Cross-border communities

June 2021

Media Release - Wednesday, 30 June -Updated COVID Interstate Travel Restrictions

Media Release - Monday, 28 June - COVID-19 Update - Interstate Arrivals

Media Release - Friday, 25 June - COVID Update - Attendance

Media Release - Thursday, 24 June - COVID-19 Update - Additional NSW Travel Restrictions

Media Release - Wednesday, 23 June - COVID-19 Update - Travel from NSW

Media Release - Wednesday, 16 June - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Thursday, 10 June - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Friday, 4 June - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Wednesday, 2 June - COVID-19 Update

May 2021

Media Release - Thursday, 27 May - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Tuesday, 25 May - COVID-19 Update

February 2021

Media Release - Wednesday, 17 February - COVID-19 Update

Media Release - Friday, 12 February 2021 - COVID-19 Update

January 2021

Media Release - Sunday, 31 January 2021 - COVID-19 Update: Raceday and trackwork attendance in Victoria

Media Release - Tuesday, 12 January 2021 - COVID-19 Update - Victorian Permit System

Media Release - Friday, 8 January 2021 - COVID-19 Protocols Update - Queensland Hotspot

December 2020

Media Release - Sunday, 20 December (COVID-19 Update - NSW Travel)

Media Release - Friday, 18 December (COVID-19 Update - NSW Boarder)

Media Release - Thursday, 10 December (COVID-19 Update [SA border and face masks])

Media Release - Wednesday, 9 December (Spectator numbers to increase at Victorian race meetings from Friday)

Media Release - Friday, 4 December (Amended Weight Scales for BM58 Races)

Media Release - Thursday, 3 December (COVID-19 Protocols Update - Owner attendance at stables, jump-outs and trials)

November 2020

Media Release - Thursday, 26 November (Spectators to return to Victorian race meetings from this weekend)

Media Release - Friday, 20 November (COVID-19 Update [Interstate Movement and SA Border Restrictions])

Media Release - Friday, 13 November (COVID-19 Update (Jockey and Trainer Protocols, Official Trials)

Media Release - Thursday, 12 November (Limited metropolitan owner attendance permitted from Saturday)

Media Release - Friday, 6 November (COVID-19 Update - Country meeting cancellations)

October 2020

Media Release - Saturday, 17 October (COVID-19 Update - Border Regions Exception)

Media Release - Thursday, 8 October (Owners permitted to return to regional race meetings)

September 2020

Media Release - Friday, 25 September (Interstate Arrivals/Jockey Weights/Participant Attendance/Scoping)

Media Release - Monday, 21 September (Border Residents and Jump-Outs)

Media Release - Friday, 18 September (Country Racing Calendar)

Media Release - Sunday, 6 September (COVID-19 Update - CEO Statement)

August 2020

Media Release - Monday, 3 August (COVID-19 Update - Update on the continuation of racing)

Media Release - Friday, 14 August (COVID-19 Update - Jockey Restrictions and Country Racing Calendar)

Media Release - Saturday, 22 August (COVID-19 Confirmed Case Update)

Media Release - Sunday, 23 August (COVID-19 Cranbourne Update)

Media Release - Wednesday, 26 August (COVID-19 Update - Weights)

July 2020

Media Release - Wednesday, 8 July (COVID-19 Update - Owner Attendance)

Media Release - Thursday, 16 July (COVID-19 Update - Face masks,Trackwork, Jockey Weights)

Media Release - Wednesday, 22 July (COVID-19 Update - Face masks)

Media Release - Friday, 24 July (Updates to Handicapping Policy)

Media Release - Friday, 31 July (Minimum prizemoney returns to pre-COVID levels tomorrow)

Media Release - Friday, 31 July (COVID-19 Update - Face masks and owner attendance)

June 2020

Media Release - Tuesday, 30 June (Minimum prizemoney restored and flagship Spring races unchanged)

Media Release - Thursday 25 June (Update to protocols around field limits, arrival times and jockey weights)

Media Release - Monday, 22 June (Owners’ to return to the track from Tuesday)

Media Release - Sunday, 21 June (Owners' return deferred by at least 24 hours)

Media Release - Thursday, 18 June (Owners to get back on track under strict protocols)

Media Release - Tuesday, 9 June (COVID-19 Update - Green Team Trackwork)

May 2020

Media Release - Sunday, 17 May (COVID-19 Update)

Media Release - Wednesday, 13 May (Funding package to protect jobs and support equine and participant welfare)

Media Release - Tuesday, 12 May (No changes to Industry Biosecurity protocols)

Media Release - Thursday, 7 May (Changes to Mildura Racing Carnival announced)

Media Release - Wednesday, 6 May (Changes to jumps and highweight schedules)

April 2020

Media Release - Thursday, 30 April (Changes to Flemington winter series)

Media Release - Wednesday, 22 April (Changes to country racing calendar announced)

Media Release - Friday, 17 April (Update to COVID-19 industry protocols)

Media Statement - Thursday, 9 April (Warrnambool)

Media Release - Thursday, 9 April (Seymour return deferred)

Media Release - Wednesday, 1 April (Interstate Acceptors and Arrival Times)

March 2020

Media Release - Tuesday, 31 March (Field Limits)

Media Release - Monday, 30 March (RV Staff and Prizemoney announcement)

Media Release - Friday, 27 March (Horse movement protocols)

Media Release - Friday, 27 March (Kerang Easter Saturday abandoned)

Media Release - Thursday 26 March (Racing resumes Friday)

Media Release - Thursday, 26 March (Update on Warrnambool and Pakenham meetings)

Media Release - Wednesday, 25 March (Racing temporarily suspended)

Media Release - Tuesday, 24 March (Interstate travel)

Media Release - Monday, 23 March (Trials and Jump Outs)

Media Release - Monday, 23 March (Racing and training to continue)

Media Release - Sunday, 22 March (CEO Statement)

Media Release - Thursday, 19 March (Jockey isolation protocols)

Media Release - Wednesday, 18 March (Minimum weights raised)

Media Release - Monday, 16 March (Further protocols introduced)

Media Release - Friday, 13 March (Racing without crowds)

COVID-19 Protocols & Industry notices

RV is also communicating directly with key stakeholder groups in Owners, Trainers, Jockeys and Stable Employees on the latest developments and the expectations and requirements of each group.

All industry participants (including service providers) are required to comply with the RV COVID-19 Base Protocols and Protocols for Industry Participants & Service Providers (see links directly below). In addition, you may be required to comply with additional protocols specific to your role in the industry – please refer to the relevant drop down menus below for details of any other protocols applicable to you:

RV COVID-19 Base Protocols for all Industry Participants & Service Providers 22 January 2021 (Revised 22 November 2021)

RV COVID-19 Protocols for Industry Participants & Service Providers 1 April 2020 (revised 22 November 2021)

What am required to do if one of my employees tests positive to COVID-19?

As an employer you have an obligation to the industry and your staff to ensure that you act swiftly and appropriately if you or a staff member tests positive to COVID-19. Under Government regulations, you also have an obligation to report the matter to WorkSafe.

Refer to the link Confirmed case in the workplace | Coronavirus Victoria. This outlines step-by-step the actions you need to take, and includes a link to a contact management matrix to help you determine who should be considered a Contact.

Notify Racing Victoria of the confirmed case by emailing crisismanagement@racingvictoria.net.au

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, fatigue, chills or sweats, runny nose, loss or change in sense of small or taste and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene and social distancing 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 is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.
Cover your cough and sneeze (for example, by coughing or sneezing into your elbow), dispose of tissues, and wash your hands.
If unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people), get tested and self-isolate at home until the outcome of your test is known.
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 and minimising physical contact especially with people at higher risk of developing serious symptoms, such as older people and people with existing health conditions.

What do I do if I develop symptoms?

You must seek PCR testing immediately and isolate at home until you have received a negative result. You must also notify your employer.

Who are considered vulnerable people?

The following people have been identified as being most at risk of becoming very sick from coronavirus:

older people
people with pre-existing medical conditions including those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure and people with low or suppressed immune systems.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
people living with HIV

What are the key health contacts?

For the latest advice, information and resources, go to www.health.gov.au or to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Call the National Coronavirus Help Line on 1800 675 398. 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: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria | Coronavirus Victoria
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

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