Effective from 11.59 pm on December 6, 2020 Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) advises changes to the current biosecurity protocols for licensed participants at all Victorian race meetings.
The following changes are to be observed:
- All Licensed persons must carry a face mask when entering a race or trial meeting and if requested to do so by a Steward, official or representative then wear the face mask indoors (including drivers’ rooms, stewards’ rooms and veterinary room), unless you have a government permitted exemption (i.e. medical condition).
- Masks are no longer required to be worn around the stabling areas at all racetracks and trial venues.
- QR Code has been implemented for use at all racetracks and trial venues, and all licensed participants and essential staff are encouraged to use the QR Form, which gives HRV immediate data should it be required for any contract tracing requirements.
- As of 1 December, 2020, Temperature testing has ceased at all racetracks and trial venues.
- Drivers are to limit the time spent in the drivers’ room and all enclosed and indoor areas as much as possible.
- All persons are reminded to exercise appropriate physical distancing protocols and to maintain 1.5-metre distancing wherever possible.
- Trainers, drivers and stablehands are to leave the race meeting as soon as possible upon fulfilling their obligations in accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (i.e. after completion of swabbing procedures, attendance before stewards etc).
- Participants should pre-pack enough food and supplies for the duration of their engagement at race meetings.
- All other industry protocols remain in effect and any non-compliance may be subject to action by the HRV Stewards.
- All persons are advised that should they fail to comply with these requirements, significant penalties including periods of disqualification, may be imposed under AHRR 238.
AHRR 238 states: A person shall not fail to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Controlling Body or the Stewards relating to harness racing or to the harness racing industry.
These measures have been put in place to ensure that harness racing complies with all bio-security requirements and must be adhered to ensure that harness racing in Victoria continues under the current State Government restrictions.
Refer to HRV’s COVID-19 information section for more information
