RQ advice for older racing participants

The health and wellbeing of the Queensland racing industry’s 40,000 participants remains paramount during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent weeks, Racing Queensland has implemented strict biosecurity measures to ensure the continuation of racing during this time. Measures include:

• The introduction of patron-free racing with on-course access now restricted to essential licensed personnel;
• A requirement for participants to leave immediately after their racing commitments (once cleared by stewards);
• The adoption of designated racing regions to further support the Queensland Government’s direction to stay local, reduce non-essential travel and to limit the spread of COVID-19;
• A mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for any licensee – Queensland or otherwise – who travels from inter-state;
• Mandatory temperature testing for on-course personnel attending race meetings; and
• Applying and reinforcing strict social distancing and personal hygiene requirements including additional spaces for participants.

During this time, the Federal Government has advised that COVID-19 has more serious impacts on people over 70 years of age and those with existing health conditions or comorbidities.

National Cabinet’s strong advice is for self-isolation at home to the maximum extent practicable for Australians who are:

• Over 70 years of age; or
• Over 60 years of age and have existing health conditions or comorbidities.

Given the Federal Government’s health advice, RQ encourages participants who meet the aforementioned criteria to re-consider their ongoing attendance at all Queensland race meetings, training centres and any other licenced facility during the current COVID-19 conditions.

Whilst this is not currently a mandatory requirement, it is strongly advised.

A fact sheet for older Australians is available online – click here to download it – which provides further advice from the Department of Health.

Click here to stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 advice from Racing Queensland.