WA Racing Update – 23 June 2020
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) is pleased to advise that following the announcement by the WA Government regarding Phase 4 of the roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions in WA, race meetings and trials will be able to re-open to the public under certain conditions.
The WA Government has advised that Phase 4 will come into effect from Saturday, June 27 (11.59pm Friday, June 26), with the following relevant changes for the WA racing industry:
- All existing gathering limits and the 100/300 rule removed;
- Gathering limits now only determined by WA’s reduced 2sqm rule;
- The 2sqm rule will only be inclusive of staff at venues that hold more than 500 patrons;
- Removal of seated service requirements at food businesses and licensed premises;
- No requirement to maintain patron register at food businesses and licensed premises;
- Alcohol can be served as part of unseated service arrangements; and
- All events permitted except for large scale, multi-stage music festivals.
Race clubs will be required to ensure their COVID Safety Plans are updated and continue to be implemented prior to re-opening to the public. Clubs will need to determine how many patrons will be able to attend venues based on the 2sqm rule, which will apply to all areas on-course.
To ensure compliance with the 2sqm rule, restricted areas will continue to be limited to essential persons only, including mounting yards, parade rings, kennelling areas and stalls. This restriction will be removed upon the implementation of Phase 5.
Depending on infection rates locally, the WA Government has advised that Phase 5 is planned to be introduced on Saturday, July 18 (effective from 11.59pm Friday, July 17) and will result in the removal of the 2sqm rule. It is also expected to see the removal of all gathering restrictions, other COVID-related rules introduced by the State Government and the 50 per cent capacity limit for major venues.
As racecourses are managed by their respective club, each individual club is responsible for managing patrons attending their venues.
Please note that physical distancing and good hygiene practices must continue to be adhered to at all times when on-course, including:
- Staying home if you are unwell.
- Keeping 1.5 metres away from others.
- Avoiding unnecessary physical contact with others — e.g. physical greetings such as handshakes and hugs.
- Washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.
- Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, using a flexed elbow or a tissue. If you use a tissue, dispose of it immediately and appropriately.
RWWA would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to all race clubs, industry participants and owners for their understanding and patience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It is with industry’s support that we have been able to continue racing safely, and RWWA looks forward to being able to welcome more patrons back to the track.