18/03/20 GRNSW CEO Update - COVID-19

With the constantly developing issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Greyhound Racing NSW believes it is crucial to keep all participants up to date on all news involving the industry.

As such, we are encouraging all participants with questions pertaining to the COVID-19 situation, to email us here at GRNSW.

Each day I will do my best to answer questions from participants and publish them across our website and social media platforms around lunchtime.

If you have any questions, please email them to the following address: update@grnsw.com.au

Any important developments will also be published in media releases across our GRNSW network as required.

Here’s what our teams at GRNSW are being asked right now, with the responding answers (and please keep in mind that this is both an unprecedented and fast-moving situation).

1. 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 hand sanitisers and other good-health measures across our clubs and racetracks. We also suggest that participants, where possible, should bring their own hand sanitiser, to ensure maximum protection. 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.

2. 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.

3. Q: Will owners be allowed on track in the near future if it fits under the 500-crowd “mass gathering” number announced by the federal government?

A: No. Owners should not attend the track, unless they are the trainer as well. We have thought carefully about this, and in conjunction with GWIC we have established this protocol to try to ensure continuity of racing. Please be considerate of others. The less people who are at the track to run a race meeting, the better it is for the whole greyhound community. My request is that people are thoughtful and considerate - if you don’t have to be there to handle a dog, don’t go. That counts for children, spouses and partners as well. If you don’t have an essential purpose to be there, please, for everybody’s sake, do not go.

4. Q: Are tracks still supplying food and drinks?

A: At this time, our clubs are providing limited food and drink, and we suggest that you bring your own food and drink (non-alcoholic) to venues.

5. Q: I am a trainer and I wanted to know if I can take my children to the races with me?

A: No, as I mentioned previously, you are not permitted to take children. Only licensed personnel are to be on the track.

6. Q: Will the on-course tote be operational?

A: No. There will be no on-course totalisator operators at any tracks.

7. Q: What other measures are GRNSW 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.

8. Q: What is happening with greyhound adoptions?

A: Greyhound adoptions are continuing and you can head to www.gapnsw.com.au if you are interested in adopting a greyhound.

Keep your questions coming in and everyone please stay safe and be vigilant.

Tony Mestrov.