Two racing industry participants at the centre of a possible COVID-19 breach in Brisbane last Saturday have tested negative to Coronavirus.
Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said the alleged breach of the Coronavirus guidelines while disappointing, was a rare occurrence as most racing participants had followed the rules since the Pandemic began.
“It has been a credit to the Queensland racing industry as participants have kept racing going throughout the period and supported jobs in the industry,” he said.
Racing Queensland (RQ) said the industry had operated under strict biosecurity protocols since March including mandatory temperature testing; restrictions around training, trackwork and animal transport protocols; and self-isolation periods for licensees who travel from inter-state.
“The Queensland racing industry has been extremely vigilant since the COVID-19 outbreak,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.
“It is incumbent on all of our licensed participants – and patrons – to ensure adherence to the strict biosecurity protocols that are in place in order to keep them and their fellow Queenslanders safe.”
QRIC Stewards were made aware of a possible breach concerning the two who had travelled from Murwillumbah in NSW on Saturday morning and attended the Doomben racecourse in a possible breach of Racing Queensland COVID-19 guidelines.
As soon as Stewards became aware the two people were on course they were directed to leave and undergo COVID–19 testing and both have tested negative to the virus.
