Latest News

COVID-19 Update (Tuesday, 6 April 2021)

Queensland and New South Wales COVID-19 Update

Racing NSW has continued to monitor developments in Queensland in respect to the most recent COVID-19 cases.

After taking further expert advice, Racing NSW has determined that persons that have been in Queensland since 20 March 2021 may now attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises without requiring a COVID-19 test, provided that such persons are not subject to orders below whereby they are considered to be a casual or close contact from a Queensland or NSW venue.

Queensland Venues
There are a number of venues in Queensland that are considered to be close or casual contacts at the link below.

Any person that has been to one of the Queensland locations must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice and at a minimum will be required to provide Racing NSW with a negative COVID-19 test result.

qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing

New South Wales Venues
Any person who has been to one of the NSW locations listed in the link below must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice and at a minimum will be required to provide Racing NSW with a negative COVID-19 test result.

nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates

COVID-19 Update (Thursday, 1 April 2021)

Queensland and Northern NSW

Racing NSW has continued to monitor developments in Queensland and Northern NSW in respect to the most recent COVID-19 cases and has taken expert advice.

On Monday 29 March 2021 Racing NSW directed that any person that was at the Eagle Farm race meeting on 20 March 2021 and the Doomben race meeting on 27 March 2021 or has been in the Greater Brisbane Area since 20 March 2021, must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice.

With the Queensland stay at home orders being lifted today, Racing NSW has taken expert advice in respect of attendance at NSW racecourses and licensed premises. Any person that has been in the state of Queensland since 20 March 2021, including outside the Greater Brisbane Area, must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until such time as they provided Racing NSW with evidence of a negative COVID-19 test. Such requirement includes all persons including essential personnel (including jockeys, trainers, stablehands, officials and service providers), owners, members, and the general public.

Casino Race Meeting

The Casino race meeting to be conducted on Tuesday 6 April 2021, will be closed to the general public and owners. Only licensed persons, officials and service providers that are participating at the race meetings shall be permitted to attend. In addition, any essential personnel that have been in the state of Queensland since 20 March 2021, including outside the Greater Brisbane Area, will not be permitted to attend the  race meeting, unless they provide Racing NSW with evidence of a negative COVID-19 test.

Queensland Venues

There are a number of venues in Queensland that are considered to be close or casual contacts at the link below. Any person that has been to one of the Queensland locations during the specified periods must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice and at a minimum will be required to provide Racing NSW with a negative COVID-19 test result.

https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing

New South Wales Venues

Any person who has been to one of the NSW locations listed in the link below during the specified periods must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice and at a minimum will be required to provide Racing NSW with a negative COVID-19 test result.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates

 

COVID-19 Update (Wednesday, 31 March 2021)

Queensland and Northern NSW
Racing NSW has continued to monitor developments in Queensland and Northern NSW in respect to the most recent COVID-19 cases and has taken expert advice.

On Monday, 29 March 2021 Racing NSW directed that any person that was at the Eagle Farm race meeting on 20 March 2021 and the Doomben race meeting on 27 March 2021 or has been in the Greater Brisbane Area since 20 March 2021, must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice. Such direction remains in place.

Should the Queensland stay at home orders be extended any person that has been in the Greater Brisbane Area since 20 March 2021, will not be permitted to attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Update (Tuesday, 30 March 2021)

Queensland Restrictions
On Monday 29 March 2021 Racing NSW directed that any person that was at the Eagle Farm race meeting on 20 March 2021 and the Doomben race meeting on 27 March 2021 or has been in the Greater Brisbane Area since 20 March 2021, must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice. Such direction remains in place.

Coffs Harbour and Ballina Race Meetings

Today racing NSW has directed that the race meetings to be conducted at Coffs Harbour on Thursday 1 April 2021 and Ballina on Tuesday 6 April 2021, will be closed to the general public and owners. Only licensed persons, officials and service providers that are participating at the race meetings shall be permitted to attend. In addition, any person that resides in Queensland, including those who reside outside the Greater Brisbane Area, will not be permitted to attend either race meeting. This includes, licensed persons, officials, service providers and owners.

NSW Venues

Anyone who has been to the following venue must immediately get tested and self-isolate and remain in isolation until further advice is provided by NSW Health. Such persons are not permitted to attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice. Any licensed person should contact Racing NSW Stewards to advise of such occurrence and will be required to provide Racing NSW Stewards with a negative COVID-19 test before returning to a racecourse or licensed premises when approval is given.

Suburb	Venue	Address	Date and time
Byron Bay	Byron Beach Hotel	1 Bay St, Byron Bay NSW 2481	Friday 26 March 2021 From 7pm – 9pm
Byron Bay	Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park – women's communal toilets	143 Alcorn St, Suffolk Park	26 March 2021 From 6pm – 6:30pm and From 9:10pm – 9:30pm 27 March 2021 From 3:20pm – 3:50pm
Byron Bay	Mokha Café	2/2 Lawson St, Byron Bay	27 March 2021 From 10:30am-11:30am
Byron Bay	The Farm Byron Bay	11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale NSW 2481	Sunday 28 March 2021 From 8:45am – 10:30am

 

 

The following are casual contact venues. If you have been to any of these places at the listed times, you should immediately self-isolate and get tested regardless of symptoms and stay in isolation until a negative result is received. Such persons are not permitted to attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice. Any licensed person should contact Racing NSW Stewards to advise of such occurrence and will be required to provide Racing NSW Stewards with a negative COVID-19 test before returning to a racecourse or licensed premises when approval is given.

 

Suburb	Venue	Address	Date and time
Byron Bay	Ghanda Clothing	3/8 Lawson St, Byron Bay	27 March 2021 From 12:00pm -12:15pm
Byron Bay	Tiger Lily	3/17-21 Jonson St, Byron Bay	27 March 2021 From 12:25pm –12:30pm
Byron Bay	Black Sheep	46 Jonson St, Byron Bay	27 March 2021 From 12:30pm – 12:40pm
Byron Bay	Quiksilver	2 Jonson St, Byron Bay	27 March 2021 From 12:40pm - 12:45pm
Byron Bay	Suffolk Bakery	Shop 1/2 Clifford St, Suffolk Park	27 March 2021 From 2:45pm – 3:15pm
Byron Bay	Park Hotel Bottle Shop	223 Broken Head Rd, Suffolk Park	27 March 2021 From 7:30pm-7:45pm

Further announcements in respect to addition restrictions which may be implemented in regard to the evolving COVID-19 situation in Queensland will be made by Racing NSW when additional information is available.

Below is a link to NSW Government orders in respect to persons who have been in the Greater Brisbane Area, including places of concern and high concern.

NSW Govt - Latest COVID-19 news & updates

COVID-19 Update (Monday, 29 March 2021)

Greater Brisbane Lockdown (29th March 2021)
Effective immediately (10:30am Monday, 29th March 2021) any person that was at the Eagle Farm race meeting on Saturday, 20th March 2021 and the Doomben race meeting on Saturday, 27th March 2021, or has been in the Greater Brisbane Area since 20th March 2021, must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

These protocols must be read in conjunction with recent releases made by Racing NSW.

Below is a link to NSW Government orders in respect to persons who have been in the Greater Brisbane Area, including places of concern and high concern.

NSW Govt - Latest COVID-19 news & updates

COVID-19 Update (Friday, 26 March 2021)

Queensland Health Orders

Any person that is subject to the Queensland Government Contract Tracing Alert is not permitted to attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until completing the following requirements.

Any person that has attended the following venues must quarantine at home for 14 days, get tested and not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises for 14 days and provide Racing NSW Stewards with a negative Covid-19 test.

Date	Place	Suburb	Arrival time	Departure time
Sunday 21 March	Mamma’s Italian Restaurant 69 Redcliffe Parade New	Redcliffe	12.30pm	3.10pm

Any person that has attended the following venues must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until they provide Racing NSW Stewards with a negative COVID-19 test.

Date	Place	Suburb	Arrival time	Departure time
Saturday 20 March	Westfield Carindale Shopping Centre New	Carindale	12pm	2.16pm
Saturday 20 March	Market Organics (store only) 190 Enoggera Road New	Newmarket	2.45pm	3pm
Saturday 20 March	Baskins-Robbins 2/489 South Pine Road New	Everton Park	9.20pm	9.25pm
Sunday 21 March	Genki Mart 3/24 South Pine Road New	Alderley	10.30am	10.46am
Monday 22 March	Guzman y Gomez Stafford (drive through) 400 Stafford Road New	Stafford	12.20pm	12.25pm
Monday 22 March	Bunnings Stafford 450 Stafford Road New	Stafford	12.40pm	12.50pm
Thursday 25 March	Aldi Stafford, Stafford City Shopping Centre 400 Stafford Road New	Stafford	8.30am	8.45am
Thursday 25 March	Nundah Respiratory Clinic 1270 Sandgate Road New	Nundah	11.15am	11.40am
Date	Place	Suburb	Arrival time	Departure time
Sunday 21 March	Gasworks Plaza 76 Skyring Terrace New	Newstead	9.50am	10.20am
Monday 22 March	KFC Everton Park (drive through) 6 Griffith Street New	Everton Park	7.55pm	8pm

 

COVID-19 Update (Thursday, 12 March 2021)

Travel from New Zealand

The Chief Health Officer has signed an exemption under the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order (No 1) 2021 in relation to persons arriving from a NZ COVID-19 hotspot. The exemption commences at 12.01 am on 12 March. In the exemption:

• People who have been in Auckland in the past 14 days will be exempt from hotel quarantine provided that they seek testing for COVID-19 after arriving in NSW. They must self-isolate in their accommodation until they receive a negative result. The exemption has conditions that apply in relation to self-isolation.
• If a person has only been in Auckland airport after flying into Auckland airport from another part of New Zealand, they will not be required to quarantine or self-isolate on arrival.

Accordingly, persons who have travelled to NSW from Auckland after 12:01am on 12 March 2021 must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until such time that they provide Racing NSW Stewards with a negative COVID-19 test result and must self-isolate until the negative test result has been received.

Other International Jurisdictions

Persons travelling from other international jurisdictions (excluding New Zealand) are still required, after serving their mandatory government required quarantine period,  to contact Racing NSW Stewards to obtain advice in respect to attending a NSW racecourse or licensed premises and must not attend these venues until approval from Racing NSW is provided.

 

COVID-19 Update (Monday, 1 March 2021)

Travel from New Zealand

The NSW Government has issued a Public Health Order commencing at 12.01am on 25 February 2021 that any person that arrives in Australia from New Zealand and has been in a New Zealand COVID-19 Hotspot in the previous 14 days prior to their arrival in NSW must:

1. Immediately leave Australia by air if:
   1. The person is not an Australian citizen; and
   2. It is reasonably practical to do so; or
2. If clause 1 does not apply, go directly to a quarantine facility; or
3. If the person requires medical treatment, go directly to a medical facility for treatment.

Auckland, including Auckland Airport is a New Zealand COVID-19 Hotspot.

Accordingly, any person who has travelled to Australia and has been in a New Zealand COVID-19 Hotspot in the 14 days prior to their arrival in NSW, must adhere to the above orders and not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until they have completed the quarantine period and have provided Racing NSW with a negative COVID-19 test result in writing at day 16 of their quarantine period.

Below is a link to the relevant NSW Government Health Order.

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/nz-determination.pdf

 

COVID-19 Update (Wednesday, 17th February 2021)

Racing NSW, in accordance with its expert advice, had previously imposed restrictions on persons attending NSW racecourses and licensed premises in light of the Victorian Government’s lockdown orders effective from 12:01am 13 February 2021 and the NSW Government replication of those lockdown orders for persons that had travelled to Victoria on or since 29 January 2021.

As those Government restrictions cease at midnight tonight 17 February 2021, Racing NSW lifts the directions that applied generally in respect of persons that had been in Victoria on or since 29 January 2021 and advises that there is no requirement to self-isolate or get tested on return to NSW, other than for those persons who have attended Victorian exposure sites during the relevant periods detailed.

Persons are still required to comply with Racing NSW’s directions in respect of specific hotspots or exposure sights identified by the relevant Government authorities (see link below), including the obligation to report any such attendance to the Racing NSW Stewards.

Victorian Exposure Sites https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks-covid-19

NSW Hotspots https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates

Important warning:

In light of the recent lockdown in Victoria as a result of community transmissions of COVID-19 and the warnings from the Victorian Government that thousands of people have still potentially been exposed to infectious cases, caution should be exercised in considering whether to travel to Victoria and, in particular, the Greater Melbourne area.

In the event that community transmissions again become an issue in Victoria, persons that have travelled there may again find themselves restricted from being permitted to attend NSW racecourses and licensed premises.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (Monday, 15th February 2021)

Following the Victorian Government introducing lockdown orders effective from 12:01am on 13 February 2021 until 11:59pm 17 February 2021, and the NSW Government response to the lockdown orders, Racing NSW has taken expert advice in respect to attendance at NSW racecourses and licensed premises.

Racing NSW directs that any person that has been in Victoria (other than those who have only been in the NSW/Victoria border community) on or since 29 January 2021 must not, without the permission of Racing NSW, attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice and must comply with the NSW Government orders.

Those persons who have only been in Victoria in the area defined as the NSW/Victoria border community since 29 January 2021 and have not been to any other area of Victoria may attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises, provided that they wear a face mask at all times while in attendance at these venues.

Further, jockeys in this category are to be segregated in a separate jockeys room on raceday from the jockeys who have not been to Victoria since 29 January 2021.

Racing NSW shall continue to monitor the COVID-19 cases in Victoria and provide a further update tomorrow in respect to restrictions on persons who have been in Victoria since 29 January 2021.

Note: NSW/Victoria border community means the area previously described as such in NSW Public Health Orders, specifically being a community that a reasonable person would consider to be a community located at or near the border.

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (12 February 2021)

Following the Victorian Government introducing lockdown orders effective 11:59pm tonight and the announcement of concerns in respect of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Victoria, Racing NSW has taken expert advice in respect to attendance at NSW racecourses and licensed premises.

The NSW Government has ordered that any person who has entered NSW from Victoria since 29 January 2021 must comply with the Victorian lockdown orders and remain at their place of residence for 5 days effective 11:59pm 12 February 2021.

In light of those matters, Racing NSW directs that any person that has been in Victoria on or since 29 January 2021 must not, without the permission of Racing NSW, attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice and must comply with the NSW Government orders.

Race Meetings

The Balranald Race Meeting scheduled for tomorrow 13 February 2021 is postponed until further notice.

Other race meetings scheduled for tomorrow 13 February 2021 will proceed subject to the restrictions outlined above in respect of persons that have been in Victoria on or since 29 January 2021.

Racing NSW will review the position on Monday 15 February 2021 and provide a further update to the industry.

 

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (1 February 2021)

Canberra Racing - Thoroughbred Park

In consultation with Racing NSW stewards, the Canberra Racing Club wishes to advise updates to COVID-19 border restrictions made by ACT Government relevant to travelling participants and patrons. The ACT Government has lifted hotspot declarations on all local government areas except for Cumberland and consequently, participants travelling from previously excluded areas such as Rosehill Gardens and Warwick Farm are now allowed to enter the ACT and Thoroughbred Park. This update also allows local participants to travel their horses to Sydney freely.

Anyone who has entered Cumberland LGA, ACT residents included, are still require to quarantine for 14 days when entering the ACT and are therefore excluded from attending race meetings at Thoroughbred Park.

For more information, please contact Ms Amy Squires, Canberra Racing Club Chief Operating Officer, by phone on (02) 6204 0000 or visit the official ACT COVID-19 website at: www.covid19.act.gov.au.

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (28 January 2021)

Owners Permitted to attend Stables or Licensed Premises

Owners are permitted to enter trainers stables or licensed premises (including the greater Sydney area) to visit and inspect their horses, subject to the following conditions and the consent of the trainer.

1. Trainers must have a register that requires owners to sign in and leave contact number.
2. Temperature checking of owners upon entry and recording of temperatures in sign in register.
3. Requirement for owners to sanitise upon entry into the stables.
4. Trainers to have a COVIDSafe plan and appropriate signage reminding owners entering to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

Racing NSW Stewards shall conduct an audit of trainers facilities and trainers found not to have complied with these conditions may be subject to penalty.

Wearing of Face Masks – Greater Sydney Area

Following the relaxation of the face mask wearing orders by the NSW Government, the wearing of face masks is not compulsory for Essential Personnel. However, barrier staff, Clerks of the Course and persons designated to ‘leg up’ jockeys in the mounting enclosure are still require to wear face masks whilst performing their duties.

Racing NSW notice can be viewed below.

Covid-19 Update For Industry Participants (Thursday 28th January)

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (21 January 2021)

Racing NSW has taken further expert advice with respect to general attendance at race meetings in the Greater Sydney Area, including the Central Coast (Gosford/Wyong) and Wollongong (Kembla Grange).

General Attendance at Race Meetings in Greater Sydney Area

These protocols must be read in conjunction with recent releases made by Racing NSW.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

NSW Govt - Latest COVID-19 news & updates

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (14th January 2021)

Racing NSW has taken further expert advice with respect to the protocols in place to manage the COVID-19 cluster in Queensland.

Greater Brisbane Area and Grand Chancellor Hotel – Brisbane.

These protocols must be read in conjunction with recent releases made by Racing NSW.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

NSW Govt - Latest COVID-19 news & updates

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (12th January 2021)

Northern Beaches

Persons who reside in the Northern Region of the Northern Beaches are now permitted to attend NSW racecourses and licensed premises without having obtained a negative COVID-19 test, subject to that person not having attended a location or travelled on transport identified by the NSW Government as being a close contact or casual contact to COVID-19 in the link below.

These protocols must be read in conjunction with recent releases made by Racing NSW.

NSW Govt - Latest COVID-19 news & updates

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (8th January 2021)

Racing NSW has taken further expert advice and the following protocols are currently in place to manage stay-at-home orders issued by the NSW and Queensland Governments while contact tracers work to ensure the UK strain of COVID-19 is not circulating in the community.

These protocols must be read in conjunction with recent releases made by Racing NSW.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (7th January 2021)

Racing NSW has taken further expert advice and the following protocols are currently in place to manage Greater Sydney area COVID-19 clusters.

Northern Beaches
Persons residing in the Northern Region of the Northern Beaches are still not permitted to attend a racecourse or licensed premises until further notice.

Essential Personnel (including race club employees) who reside in the Southern Region of the Northern Beaches are now permitted to attend NSW racecourses and licensed premises without having obtained a negative COVID-19 test, subject to that person not having attended a location or travelled on transport identified by the NSW Government as being a close or casual contact to COVID-19 in the link below.

NSW Govt - Latest COVID-19 news & updates

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (5th January 2021)

Following Racing NSW today taking expert advice the following protocols remain in place to manage Greater Sydney area COVID-19 clusters.

Northern Beaches
Persons residing in the Northern Region of the Northern Beaches are still not permitted to attend a racecourse or licensed premises until further notice.

Essential Personnel (including race club employees) who reside in the Southern Region of the Northern Beaches are now permitted to attend NSW racecourses and licensed premises without having obtained a negative COVID-19 test, subject to that person not having attended a location or travelled on transport identified by the NSW Government as being a close or casual contact to COVID-19 in the link below.

NSW Govt - Latest COVID-19 news & updates

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Update For Industry Participants (30th December 2020)

Additional Positive COVID-19 Cases – Greater Sydney Area

Following the NSW Government today advising of additional COVID-19 positives in the Inner West and Wollongong region, Racing NSW has taken further expert advice in respect to upcoming race meetings.

In accordance with that advice, and in addition to the protocols below released on 23 December 2020, the race meetings scheduled to be conducted at Canterbury Park on 1 January 2021 and Randwick (Kensington Track) on 2 January 2021 will be closed to the general public.

Only Industry Essential Personnel and Officials, prebooked Members hospitality and Owners who have horses racing at these meetings will be permitted to attend.

Any person attending a race meeting must declare they do not live in the Northern Beaches or have attended a location considered to be a COVID-19 hotspot or where persons are considered to be close contacts, casual contacts or told to monitor for symptoms.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE (29th December 2020)

Any person that has attended the venues or travelled on transport listed in the link below, must not attend a racecourse or licensed premises until such time as they have complied with the NSW Health Orders detailed in the link. Such attendance or travel must also be reported to Racing NSW Stewards immediately after advice has been received and persons must comply with any further directions issued by Racing NSW. Trainers must ensure their employees or service providers are aware of this requirement and report any notification to Racing NSW Stewards from their employees or service providers.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates

 

Racing NSW Updated COVID-19 Protocols – Northern Beaches (23rd December 2020)

On 21 December 2020, Racing NSW advised that persons who were residents in the Northern Beaches area at any time between Thursday, 10 December 2020 at 12.01am and Saturday, 19 December 2020 at 5.02pm and the subject of stay at home orders, were not to attend racecourses or licensed premises until 11:59pm on 23 December 2020 - or as further advised by Racing NSW.

Following the NSW Government continuing the stay at home orders for these persons (excluding travel within the Northern Beaches), Racing NSW has determined that persons subject to these continuing orders must not attend a racecourse or licensed premises until further notice.

These orders apply to persons that were at a place of residence or temporary accommodation in the Northern Beaches local government area during that time and

• are still in the Northern Beaches area, or
• left the Northern Beaches area before 5.02pm on 19 December 2020 and are now staying somewhere else.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (21st December 2020)

NSW COVID-19 Cases – Update

In response to NSW positive COVID-19 cases that have been detected following the Northern Beaches COVID-19 cluster, Racing NSW has taken the following steps to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading into the NSW Racing Industry. These updated protocols are to be read in conjunction with previous notices.

Summary
• In compliance with the NSW Public Health Order, any person living in the Northern Beaches of NSW must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until further notice.
• Any person who has attended the venues listed below must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until they have complied with the requirements below.
• Maintaining of jockey/official zones on raceday.
• Jockeys rooms to ensure that only one person per 4 square metres and jockeys separated by region.
• Mandatory face masks to be worn by all licensed Essential Personnel, Media and Officials at race meetings and barrier trials conducted in the Greater Sydney Area, including the Central Coast (Gosford/Wyong) and Wollongong (Kembla Grange).
• Strong recommendation that participants wear face masks when at trackwork in the Greater Sydney Area, including the Central Coast (Gosford/Wyong) and Wollongong (Kembla Grange).
• Owners prohibited from attending trackwork and licensed premises (trainers stables).

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Update for Industry Participants (18th December 2020)

NSW Northern Beaches COVID-19 Cluster

A public health alert provided by the NSW Government has confirmed up to 17 positive COVID-19 cases in the Northern Beaches region of NSW.
As a result, Racing NSW has determined the following.

• Any person living in the Northern Beaches of NSW must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until 21 December 2020 (or such time as determined by Racing NSW), in accordance with the NSW Government advice below.
• Any person who has attended the venues listed below must not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until they have complied with the requirements below.

Requirement to Self-Isolate and Report to Racing NSW

Any person who has attended any of the venues below in the Northern Beaches of NSW, must report such attendance to Racing NSW, not attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises, get tested and self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Persons are not permitted to attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises until a negative COVID-19 test has been provided to Racing NSW and the self-isolation period has been completed.

To read the full details please CLICK HERE

COVID-19 - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NSW PARTICIPANTS (UPDATED 10 DECEMBER 2020)

Owners permitted to attend stables or licensed premises (16th Nov 2020)

Racing NSW has taken further advice from its biosecurity expert and with no new COVID-19 cases reported in NSW recently, will permit owners to enter trainers stables or licensed premises to visit and inspect their horses, subject to the following conditions and the consent of the trainer.

1. Trainers must have a register that requires owners to sign in and leave contact number.
2. Temperature checking of owners upon entry and recording of temperatures in sign in register.
3. Requirement for owners to sanitise upon entry into the stables.
4. Trainers to have a COVIDSafe plan and appropriate signage reminding owners entering to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

Racing NSW Stewards shall conduct an audit of trainers facilities and trainers found not to have complied with these conditions may be subject to penalty.

Update for Industry Participants (11 Nov 2020)

Racing NSW has taken advice from its biosecurity expert and with no new COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria for the last 12 days, the following changes to the Racing NSW COVID-19 protocols have been implemented.

Horses travelling from Victoria

Effective immediately, Racing NSW has removed restrictions in respect to horse movement across the NSW/Victorian border and horses are now permitted to travel from Victoria into NSW directly to a racecourse or licensed premises, subject to government orders and the appropriate COVID-19 permits.

Persons transporting horses from Victoria must still follow all proper bio-security measures and ensure they continue to social distance at all times.

Persons Travelling from Victoria

The NSW Government has announced that effective 12:01am on 23 November 2020, the border between NSW and Victoria will reopen. Subject to any amendments to this advice or further restrictions imposed by the NSW Government, Racing NSW will allow person to travel from Victoria to NSW racecourses or licensed premises without having to self-isolate.

The decision to permit this unrestricted travel is subject to Racing NSW imposing any additional conditions it considers appropriate on or after 23 November 2020, including for persons who have attended a known COVID-19 hotspot or venue. Participants should continue to monitor the Racing NSW website for any further updates.

Further, participants are advised that until 23 November 2020, all other restrictions that require persons to self-isolate for 14 days and undertake a negative COVID-19 test before attending a racecourse or licensed premises remain in place.

Persons Travelling from New Zealand

Subject to any restrictions imposed by the NSW Government, persons may attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises after travelling from New Zealand without the requirement to self-isolate or supply a COVID-19 test.

Maintaining of other COVID-19 Protocols

Participants are advised that all other COVID-19 protocols remain in place for the attendance at NSW racecourses and licensed premises including:

• All racecourses to have COVIDSafe plans for race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork, including the meeting of government social distancing requirements and capacity limits. Race clubs should also ensure those attending the racecourse have not attended a known COVID-19 hotspot or venue in the last 14 days. The link to the COVID-19 Safe plan effective 7 December 2020 is https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe/major-recreation-facilities-stadiums-showgrounds-racecourses
• Any person who has attended a location and has been advised to self-isolate or to monitor symptoms by the NSW Health Department must report such occurrence to Racing NSW Stewards and abide by all requirements of the Health Department and Stewards. Trainers must immediately report any advice of this nature to Racing NSW Stewards in respect to any staff member or employee.
• Jockey raceday protocols remain in place, including maintaining of jockey/official zones, taking of temperature upon arrival, use of spas being prohibited and the use of separate colours by jockeys.
• Race clubs required to meet government social distancing requirements and capacity limits.
• Any person travelling from an international jurisdiction (other than New Zealand) must contact Racing NSW Stewards before entering a NSW racecourse or licensed premises, in addition to abiding to all NSW Government orders.

General

Conduct of race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork

Jockey race day protocols

Race Clubs

Safe Work Australia - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice for Employers

IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATES - 29 December 2020

Any person that has attended the venues or travelled on transport listed in the link below, must not attend a racecourse or licensed premises until such time as they have complied with the NSW Health Orders detailed in the link. Such attendance or travel must also be reported to Racing NSW Stewards immediately after advice has been received and persons must comply with any further directions issued by Racing NSW. Trainers must ensure their employees or service providers are aware of this requirement and report any notification to Racing NSW Stewards from their employees or service providers.

 

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates

INTERSTATE & INTERNATIONAL PERSONS (including Essential Personnel and racegoers) 

1. Travel from Interstate -Any person that resides interstate (or has left NSW to travel interstate) is permitted to attend a racecourse or licensed premises in NSW.
2. International Persons – Persons that have or are returning from an international jurisdiction must not enter a racecourse or licensed premises in NSW unless approved in writing by Racing NSW. Racing NSW will assess each case on its merits and impose conditions it sees fit. Contact should be made with Racing NSW Stewards to discuss protocols for attending a racecourse or licensed premises. From 11 November 2020 persons travelling from New Zealand may attend a NSW racecourse or licensed premises without having to self-isolate or obtain a COVID-19 test.

GENERAL

Information provided by the Department of Health has advised that COVID-19 spreads from person to person most likely in the following ways:

• close contact with an infectious person;
• contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze;
• touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face

All persons attending racecourses are encouraged to download and have operational the COVIDSafe app, including having their Bluetooth settings turned on whilst attending.

Any person that has approval to attend a racecourse or licensed premises must report to Racing NSW Stewards if

• they have experienced COVID-19 symptoms and/or have had a COVID-19 test. Persons who have undertaken a COVID-19 test must self-isolate until such result is known, including not attending any racecourse or licensed premises.
• they have attended any of the venues during the relevant periods requiring mandatory self-isolation as determined by the NSW Health Department.

The Department of Health recommends

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
• Maintain at least 1.5 metre distance between yourself and any other person who is not a member of your group.
• Practice respiratory hygiene - Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and as soon as possible, thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and waterwash and avoid touching any surfaces until you have done so.
• Avoiding close contact with others, such as touching
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth - Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
• If you have any of the following symptoms; fever (high temperature), cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care early - Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. You should isolate yourself and immediately seek medical advice by calling Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080 or your medical practitioner.

CONDUCT OF RACE MEETINGS, BARRIER TRIALS AND TRACKWORK

RACECOURSE ATTENDANCE

Race Meetings, Barrier Trials and Trackwork
Attendance by persons working at racecourse

• Persons that are engaged in work are permitted to attend race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork without restrictions.

All other attendees

• As from 7 December 2020, the restrictions on number of attendees at racecourses were lifted significantly. As a general rule, from 7 December 2020, the restriction on numbers of attendees is that the size of the racecourse (being the areas open to racegoers) is sufficient to ensure that there is at least 2 square metres of space for each person.
• As further detailed below, racegoers do not need to be admitted by way of tickets to assigned seats or seating areas provided that numbers are capped to ensure that there is at least 2 square metres of space for each person in the areas open to racegoers.
• An electronic record is required to be kept of all persons attending a racecourse, which must include the person’s name, phone number or email address and the time at which the person entered the racecourse.
• Any hospitality areas where food and drink is served is restricted to the total number of customers calculated by allowing two (2) square metres of space for each customer (excluding staff members) in that area and a COVID-19 Safety Marshal is required in respect of any hospitality area that has more than 250 persons (excluding workers).
• Race Clubs are required to develop and comply with a COVID-19 Safety Plan, which includes provisions in respect of physical distancing such as separation of seated groups, ensuring physical distancing between  groups, preventing co-mingling of spectator groups and reducing crowding in areas where people stand (including along the railings at racecourses). The approved COVID-19 Safety Plan also provides that alcohol can only be served to patrons indoors if they are seated but otherwise does not impose such restrictions.
• Race Clubs and racegoers continue to abide by existing COVID-19 Protocols including social distancing of 1.5 metres, sufficient space for one person per 2 square metres, good hygiene practices at all times and unwell persons not to be permitted access to racecourses.

Other

• All other restrictions remain in place, including segregation of jockeys and other on course personnel. Temperature checking of jockeys entering the racecourse for race meetings to continue.

Jockey race day protocols (Effective 16 March 2020) – Still Current

1. If you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms described above, do not attend the racecourse and contact your local Stewards. Immediately seek medical advice by calling Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080 or your medical practitioner
2. If you are feeling well, upon arrival on course you must not enter the jockey’s room until your temperature has been checked (where equipment is available) and verified within normal parameters.
3. A jockey experiencing an elevated temperature will be given the opportunity to have a further temperature assessment 15 minutes following the first assessment.
4. Should the rider’s temperature remain elevated he or she will not be permitted to enter the jockey’s room and shall be required to leave the racecourse. A medical clearance to the satisfaction of Racing NSW will be required before riding again.
5. Once in the jockeys’ room, wherever possible, jockeys will be required to segregate a minimum of at least 1.5 metres apart. Jockeys’ rooms shall be divided into multiple rooms at the direction of the Stewards.
6. Whenever possible, between races jockeys should use hand sanitizers provided by the club. All gear should be cleaned/disinfected between races.
7. Direct contact between other jockeys and persons should be avoided at all costs and maintain social distancing (1.5 metres apart) from all persons.
8. Should you feel unwell or experience any of the symptoms of COVID-19 throughout the day, ensure you advise the Stewards who will obtain medical assistance.
9. The use of spas on all racecourses is prohibited until further notice.

Jockey colours
Trainers or owners are required to provide separate colours for each individual jockey. If this cannot be accommodated a separate set of colours or the club colours must be nominated to be used.

Access
Access points to the racecourse are to be appropriately staffed in order to ensure that attendance complies with the relevant number restriction and that mandatory electronic records are obtained from all persons attending racecourses.

Access will not be permitted to any person that:

• Is suffering from coronavirus symptoms or is otherwise unwell including but not limited to an elevated temperature;
• Is subject to self-isolation requirements imposed by the Government;
• Has been in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus.

Further, if any person is in a high-risk group such as older people or people with underlying illnesses that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease, including those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure and people with suppressed immune systems, that person should not attend race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork (including accessing licensed training stables).

Enhanced hygiene measures

Sufficient cleaning staff are to be engaged to provide ongoing and continual disinfection of common surfaces used during the conduct of the race meeting. This is to include at a minimum twice daily periodic disinfection of all common surfaces including but not limited to door handles, handrails, lift call buttons, internal lift buttons and escalator handrails, light switches, fridges, microwaves, cabinets, tap handles, phones and keyboards etc.

Hand sanitizer stations to be installed in all areas used by racecourse attendees and cleaning staff are to continually monitor hand sanitizer stations, soap & hand drying for replenishment.

Trainers
If you experience any of the symptoms detailed above, do not attend your workplace and make arrangements for a senior member of your staff to be in charge of your stable. You should isolate yourself and immediately seek medical advice by calling Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080 or your medical practitioner. Trainers must report any symptom experienced by an employee or themselves to their local Racing NSW Stewards. Stables that have an employee that has experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must ensure that all staff members continue to practice good hygiene and immediately report to their supervisor should they commence to display any COVID-19 symptoms. Under no circumstances should any participant experiencing COVID-19 symptoms attend any race meeting, barrier trial or public gathering.

Racing NSW Stewards are conducting random temperature assessments on race day, at barrier trials and at trackwork. Persons found to have an elevated temperature will be given the opportunity to have a further temperature assessment 15 minutes following the first assessment. Should the person’s temperature remain elevated, he or she will be required to leave the racecourse or licensed premises.  A medical clearance to the satisfaction of Racing NSW will be required before returning to work or to a racecourse or licensed premises.

Trainers must report to Racing NSW Stewards if any staff member has;

• experienced COVID-19 symptoms and/or have had a COVID-19 test due to displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Persons who have undertaken a COVID-19 test must self-isolate until such result is known, including not attending any racecourse or licensed premises.
• attended any of the venues during the relevant periods requiring mandatory self-isolation as determined by the NSW Health Department.

RACE CLUBS

Role of Race Clubs
Racing NSW seeks the assistance of all race clubs in working with their local Stewards to implement the procedures outlined above.

Race clubs are requested to complete the following tasks in preparation for each meeting:

General Requirements

• Race Clubs must develop and comply with a COVID-19 safety plan that addresses the matters required by the COVID-19 safety checklist for racecourses (updated https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe/major-recreation-facilities-stadiums-showgrounds-racecourses
• Race Club staff are to be provided with information and training on COVID-19, including when to get tested, physical distancing and cleaning. Race Club must engage sufficient staff to ensure compliance with COVID-19 Safety Plans and Racing NSW Protocols.
• Race Clubs must have dedicated staff members or security personnel at access points to ensure compliance with number limitations and electronic recording of names, contact details (phone number/email address) and the time at which they entered the racecourse of all persons attending a racecourse. These reports must be kept until further notice.
• Have a thermometer approved by the Stewards available to assist Stewards in taking temperatures of jockeys when they arrive and during the day.
• In enclosed spaces each person (including jockeys’ rooms) must be provided with 2 square metres of space.
• Employ dedicated personnel to provide ongoing and continual disinfection of common surfaces and touch points during the conduct of the race meeting.
• Supply hand sanitising stations in all areas used by persons attending racecourse and regularly check to ensure sufficient supply.
• Install signage in all areas detailing hygiene measures.

Site Visit

• Where possible, Stewards should conduct a site visit with the relevant Club Official/s to ensure the necessary infrastructure is available to facilitate the implementation of the required bio-security protocols.

Medical Staff

• Where a race club engages the services of a doctor, paramedic (excluding ambulance officers) or nurse such medical staff are not to be working in general practice or in a hospital whereby COVID-19 is present. When in doubt, the Race Club must contact the local Stewards to ascertain the suitability of the medical professional to attend.

Barrier Management and Starting Procedures

• All Barrier Attendants are to wear gloves and a face mask.
• Two Barrier Attendants wearing gloves and a face mask should be assigned to leg up riders.
• Clerk of the Course Officials are to wear face masks when leading a horse.

Separation of Jockeys and Trainers

• Trainers and Jockeys must be segregated.
• Trainers are not permitted to enter the mounting enclosure unless they are strapping the horse.
• An area must be designated in which instructions can be given to Jockeys by Trainers. This area must contain a physical boundary (i.e. fencing with planter boxes) that ensures social distancing requirements are adhered to.
• Numbers should be placed on either side of the fence at least 1.5 metres apart to ensure both the Trainers and Jockeys adhere to social distancing requirements.
• Where possible Trainers should provide instructions to their riders via phone or other means prior to the meeting.

Jockeys

• Jockeys must have their temperature taken prior to entering the jockey’s area with the previously advised requirements adhered to in the case of a jockey having an elevated temperature.
• Jockeys are to be segregated into rooms ensuring that the 1 person for every 2 square metres requirement is adhered to.
• Have dedicated staff members to secure jockeys’ rooms at the direction of the Stewards;
• Have dedicated jockeys room staff to clean jockeys’ rooms throughout the day, including amenities. Ensuring any meals areas remain hygienic and touch points regularly cleansed;
• Provide sanitisers and disinfectant for jockeys to improve hygiene;
• Provide signage in jockeys rooms to remind jockeys of personal hygiene;
• Close spas (where applicable);

Race Day Equipment

• Clubs that do not have separate sets of strappers bibs to use for each race, Racing NSW directs the discontinuation of their use until further notice. Clubs are not to recycle the use of strappers bibs throughout the day.
• Where possible saddle clothes should only be used once per meeting.

Race Club Facilities

• As detailed above, the restrictions on number of attendees at racecourses were lifted significantly. As a general rule, from 7 December 2020, the restriction on numbers of attendees is that the size of the racecourse (being the areas open to racegoers) is sufficient to ensure that there is at least 2 square metres of space for each person.
• Racegoers do not need to be admitted by way of tickets to assigned seats or seating areas provided that numbers are capped to ensure that there is at least 2 square metres of space for each person in the areas open to racegoers.
• An electronic record is required to be kept of all persons attending a racecourse, which must include the person’s name, phone number or email address and the time at which the person entered the racecourse.
• Any hospitality areas where food and drink is served is restricted to the total number of customers calculated by allowing two (2) square metres of space for each customer (excluding staff members) in that area and a COVID-19 Safety Marshal is required in respect of any hospitality area that has more than 250 persons (excluding workers).
• Race Clubs are required to develop and comply with a COVID-19 Safety Plan, which includes provisions in respect of physical distancing such as separation of seated groups, ensuring physical distancing between groups, preventing co-mingling of spectator groups and reducing crowding in areas where people stand (including along the railings at racecourses). The approved COVID-19 Safety Plan also provides that alcohol can only be served to patrons indoors if they are seated but otherwise does not impose such restrictions.
• Race Clubs and racegoers continue to abide by existing COVID-19 Protocols including social distancing of 1.5 metres, sufficient space for one person per 2 square metres, good hygiene practices at all times and unwell persons not to be permitted access to racecourses.

SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA - CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ADVICE FOR EMPLOYERS

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces