Participant Update - 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.
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)
Below we have answered a number of common questions regarding the restrictions that are currently in place due to the restrictions surrounding COVID-19.
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: 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: Will owners be allowed on track, given total numbers will fit under the 100-crowd “mass gathering” figure announced by the federal government?
A: Yes owners of a greyhound engaged in a particular race meeting will be permitted on course. However, GRSA strongly recommends that all owners assess their need to be on course and if possible watch events from home.
Q: Are tracks still supplying food and drinks?
A: At this time, our venues are not providing food. Beverages will still be available. Participants will be allowed to bring their own food and drink (non alcoholic) to venues.
Q: I am a licenced participant and I wanted to know if I can take my children to the races with me?
A: Only trainers with dogs running at that particular race meeting are allowed to attend that meeting. With regard to children, GRSA encourage licenced participants to find alternative arrangements for their children. However, if that is not possible, licenced participants will be allowed to bring their children to the races.
Q: Will the on-course tote be operational?
A: No. There will be no on-course totalisator operators at any tracks.
Q: What other measures are GRSA considering or what is the scenario if the situation gets worse?
A: We are continually working on contingency plans for the future should the situation become worse. We will however always be guided by the advice of the state and federal governments. The best protection for the industry, is for participants to adhere to the advice of government to limit the spread of the virus through the wider community.
Q: Is McQueen’s still operational?
A: McQueens’ Tavern will operate in line with government restrictions (currently limited to 1 persons per 4m2 indoors). Should these restrictions change (either higher or lower) GRSA will implement these changes for McQueens. We have also put in place additional measures to protect the health of its patrons where possible.