Guidelines to Coronavirus

16-March-2020

Guidelines to Coronavirus

CORONAVIRUS

Monday 16 March 2020

This message was drafted 4pm Monday (AEDT) and as we all know, information and advice is changing by the day in the community, sport and in racing.

Federal and state governments are providing much of the information, while racing specific information will be provided by your PRA, supported by your state jockey association and from the AJA.

So, this communication is to address one key question:

In your role as a Jockey, what can you do so Racing can continue during this health emergency?

ANSWER:

1. You must NOT attend any form of work as a jockey if you are displaying symptoms.

  • The most common symptoms are: fever, tiredness, dry cough, (but some people also experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea).
  • These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

2. What must you do if you are displaying symptoms?

  • Isolate and do not attend races, trials or trackwork.
  • Immediately contact your state jockey association representative.
  • Call the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • They will tell you whether you should go to a clinic attached to a hospital in your area or to your GP (making sure to call them ahead of your visit).
  • They may advise you to go to one of the 100 pop-up and drive-through clinics that are being set up across Australia.
  • GPs are now being reimbursed for telephone consultations on coronavirus, for those who think they might have it, or who have pre-existing health problems and do not want to come into a doctor's waiting room.

3. When you arrive to work as a Jockey on raceday, what must you do to protect yourself?

  • In some states, anticipate having your temperature taken on arrival. (In some states, if your temperature is above 37.5 degrees you will NOT be permitted entry to the course).
  • Wherever possible, maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres from other riders (this should be achievable given the small number of people attending, even if it means some jockeys having to relocate to a different area for the day).
  • Maintain distance of 1.5 metres from trainers, strappers, officials and race day staff when weighing out, handing over saddles, receiving instructions, debriefing and so on.
  • Make sure officials and staff do not share your area. The less people you are exposed to the better.
  • Be exceptionally careful regarding not sharing drinks, handling food, sharing race gear, towels, etc.
  • Avoid using spas and saunas wherever possible.

4. During this emergency, if your PRA permits you to ride trackwork, jump-outs or trials, what precautions should you take?

  • Consider whether it is essential to do so.
  • Follow the guidelines of maintaining clear separation from others.

5. What should I do away from my work as a Jockey?

  • Follow every recommendation issued by health experts regarding contact with people so that you minimize the chances of infection.
  • Make thoughtful and careful calls regarding the need to travel.

SUMMARY:

A: Federal and State Governments will make the ultimate calls regarding racing continuing during this unprecedented health crisis.

B: PRA’s will follow their directives, while trying to provide as safe a workplace as possible.

C: During this crisis, all you can do as jockeys is take every possible precaution so that you do not become infected with this virus.

If you have any queries please contact:

Martin Talty

CEO

Australian Jockeys Association

Tel: 0409 101012

E-mail: martin.talty@australianjockeys.org

Des O’Keeffe

Chairman

Australian Jockeys Association

Tel: 0412 554 155

E-mail: des.okeeffe@australianjockeys.org

Kevin Ring

National WHS Officer

Australian Jockeys Association

Tel: 0409 852 990

E-mail: kevin.ring@australianjockeys.org