WA Racing Update – COVID-19
The WA Government has recently issued new Directions, which provide some clarity on the enhanced COVID-19 public health measures that were implemented from Thursday, 3 March 2022.
The following Directions are relevant to race clubs and the WA racing community and will remain in effect for the Level 2 period for public health and social measures.
Limits and restrictions on gatherings and events:
- The number of patrons present in a separate space (that may be indoors, outdoors or both) is limited to 150. The 150-patron cap applies alongside the two square metre rule.
- The cap of 150 refers to patrons only and does not include staff.
- To be considered a separate space there needs to be a wall or other structure that is made of material that is impervious to air flow, anchored to the ground, is from ground to ceiling or roof or at least 2 metres high.
- Where there are multiple spaces within a racecourse, and each is sufficiently separated, 150 patrons can be accommodated within each indoor or outdoor divided space. For example, a race club with separate enclosed spaces (such as restaurants, function rooms and outdoor bars), can host up to 150 patrons in each space.
- Patrons in that area must have access to dedicated toilets, catering and totalisator facilities etc that ensure patrons in one area do not mix at any time with patrons in another area, with the exception of transiting to and from their assigned area on arrival and departure from the venue.
- Mounting yards, stables and kennels at racecourses will be restricted to essential persons only.
Industry participants will strictly only be admitted to racecourses for the purposes of work and will be restricted from entering those indoor areas such as restaurants, cafes or similar that are dedicated for patron use.
Seated service
- All areas on the racecourse must provide seated service only for food and drinks (including alcohol).
- While patrons may purchase food or drink at a bar or counter, they are only permitted to consume this while seated.
Pre-Ticketing
- All race clubs are recommended to pre-ticket their events to ensure controls over the number of patrons seeking entry to the racecourse.
Service Levels
- Race Clubs are solely responsible for determining the level of service provided at their venue for patrons and owners at each race meeting. It is expected clubs will consider the practicality and commerciality of implementing the current public health measures in determining their oncourse offering during this period.
The racing community is reminded RWWA’s Local Rule Vaccination came into effect on 5 February 2022 requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More information on the rule is here. And details on providing proof of vaccination are here.
As always, we encourage everyone to keep up to date with the WA Government advice as the situation continues to change and evolve at www.wa.gov.au.