Participant Update 24th March 2020 - COVID-19
GRSA understand that we are in uncertain times and that a lot of information is being distributed often to our participants and greyhound fans in response to the changing environment. We want to keep you updated with all crucial information.
Therefore we encourage all participants with questions pertaining to the COVID-19 situation, to email us here at GRSA.
Each day (Mon-Fri) we will answer questions from participants and publish them across our website and social media platforms by COB.
If you have any questions, please email them to the following address: [email protected]
Any important developments will also be published in media releases across our GRSA network as required.
Below we have answered a number of common questions regarding the restrictions that are currently in place due to the restrictions surrounding COVID-19.
REMINDER YOU MUST REPORT!!! If any greyhounds in your kennels (racing greyhounds, brood bitches, puppies or retired greyhounds) are displaying the following symptoms - vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated temperature, lethargy, and/or loss of appetite – YOU MUST CONTACT GRSA STEWARDS IMMEDIATELY on (08) 8243-7100 or after hours on 0487 189 366 (Des Jonas – Chief Steward)
Q: If I go to a race meeting with my dog, what precautions do I need to take?
A: We encourage best hygiene practices for all participants, and we have encouraged the implementation of heightened health measures across our venues. We also suggest that participants, where possible, should bring their own hand sanitiser (given the scarcity of supply), to ensure it is available to them. Keep a comfortable distance away from other participants, and refrain from handshakes, high fives and other forms of contact. Importantly, if you feel unwell, do not go to the track, and seek medical advice and attention. And remember, please be totally considerate of others. If you or any member of your household is sick in any way, please do not attend a racetrack or trial track until you have been cleared by a doctor.
Q: Will owners be allowed on track, given total numbers will fit under the 100-crowd “mass gathering” figure announced by the federal government?
A: No, owners will no longer be permitted to attend race meets. Only trainers and essential staff engaged in the meeting will be allowed entry.
Q: Why do I need to sign a form on entry to the track?
A: GRSA will introduce this Infectious Disease Declaration for participants and staff from Monday 23rd March 2020, at Angle Park and following meetings in response to COVID-19 ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our industry.
Any staff or participant who comes on course for every race meet has to fill out the infectious disease declaration. The form is used to help identify any higher risks of potential COVID-19 infection.
We are doing all we can to protect our participants, staff and the wider community from any spread of infection, and ofcourse protect and continue racing is the safest way possible.
This form will need to be completed and signed upon entry to each race meet. Forms will be available upon entry of the venue or via this website, Industry - Forms.
Q: Are tracks still supplying food and drinks?
A: Due to new limitations on licenced venues and restaurants, you will be unable to purchase any food from our venues. Participants allowed on track will be permitted to bring their own food and drink (non alcoholic) so long as it is sealed on entry.
Q: I am a licenced participant and I wanted to know if I can take my children to the races with me?
A: Children will not be permitted on track at all at this time. Trainers and staff with dogs engaged in a meeting will need to ensure that they have made alternate arrangements.
Q: Will the on-course tote be operational?
A: No. There will be no on-course totalisator operators at any tracks.
Q: While I saw that racing will continue to go ahead without crowds, will trials still be going ahead?
A: Yes, trials will be continuing. These will be conducted however under the same strict guidelines as race meetings, with no members of the general public to attend and with only trainers, handlers, and officials to be on track.
Q: Is McQueen’s still operational?
A: McQueens’ Tavern as a licenced venue and restaurant is closed until further notice.