GRSA adopts mandatory double vaccination requirements for all participants
Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) has today announced that all all staff, industry participants and patrons attending South Australian greyhound meetings or visiting licenced premises will be required to show proof of double COVID vaccination. The vaccination requirements will apply from 26th December 2021 onwards.
The new requirement means anyone aged 16 and over intending to enter any South Australian greyhound racing venue or licenced premises for any purpose from 12:01am on 26th December 2021 will need to demonstrate that they have had at least their first vaccination. Proof of double vaccination will be required prior to entry beyond 11:59pm on 24th January 2022.
This vaccination requirement applies to any person visiting the operational facilities, which include GRSA's head office and McQueen's Tavern, including patrons, industry participants, staff and contractors. The vaccination requirement applies at all times including as to race meetings, trials, events and attendance at GRSA's head office.
GRSA is also immediately re-introducing the requirement to wear masks in all shared indoor spaces, including within the kennel house. The continued requirement to wear a mask in any hospitality setting remains unchanged under the police direction.
GRSA Chairman Grantley Stevens explained that the vaccination requirement decision was not made lightly.
“It is a necessary response to the introduction by SA Health of the new Test, Trace, Isolate and Quarantine (TTIQ) model and the opening of South Australian borders on 23rd November 2021. Two key pillars of the TTIQ are vaccination and mask wearing, with the absence of either measure posing significant quarantine implications for close contacts in the event of community transmission.”
“Our number one priority is keeping our staff, participants and patrons safe. The vaccination requirement will best support the opportunity that exists for racing to continue through the weeks and months ahead in what is likely to be a constantly changing environment.”
“The last 18 months have been a tumultuous period for the racing industry. The level of compliance and support evident from our participants has allowed us to continue racing almost without interruption. I am confident that our participants will continue to adapt as needed to allow greyhound racing to continue thriving into 2022.”
A COVID-19 Digital Certificate will need to be sighted via a smart phone or in the form of a printed immunisation certificate. Medical exemptions will only be recognised where they are in the form approved by SA Health. Where necessary, extra COVID-Safe practices may be imposed and could include a requirement for booster shots. The requirement will be enforced by GRSA and clubs at all venues.