Update: Coronavirus (Covid-19)
13 March 2020
Equestrian Victoria (EV) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our members and our community. This is paramount to everything we do.
As you will be aware, EV has been monitoring the rapidly changing situation around Coronavirus (Covid-19).
As a result, Equestrian Victoria regrets to advise that we have no choice but to cancel the following Equestrian Victoria events, effective immediately:
- PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars – 19 to 21 March 2020
- Jumping Victoria State Titles – 26 to 29 March 2020
We will continue to follow governmental guidelines and will communicate a decision regarding the Leader Equine Victorian Interschool Equestrian State Championships (2 to 6 April 2020) in the near future.
The Board and management of Equestrian Victoria will meet on Wednesday 18 March to clarify the way forward for our members, officials, sponsors, traders and volunteers with regards to the two cancelled events with a communication scheduled for 20 March 2020.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our membership and broader community for their continued support and emphasise that as you have supported us, we look to support you.
At the same time, we would also like to encourage our community to remain vigilant. Equestrian clubs should operate as normal until otherwise advised. Club and event organisers should encourage good hygiene practices by participants at their events and where possible provide an environment that supports this outcome.
Resources are available for download from the DHHS website, including printable posters and factsheets on practicing good hygiene that may help clubs and event organisers.
EV members are encouraged to act responsibly by not attending events or other equestrian activities if:
- you feel unwell, or are showing symptoms such as runny nose, fever, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulties; and/or
- you have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
If you have come into contact with someone who has the virus or you are concerned you may be infected, please call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
Health experts advise the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus is to pay attention to good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene, by:
- Washing hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Clubs and event organisers are also encouraged to also check the government website regularly for up to date information.
For the latest information on coronavirus visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Equestrian sport in Victoria is in a strong position with a focus on continual improvement for great experiences. We look forward to resuming the delivery of successful events where our members can enjoy the opportunity to live their equestrian dream.
Matthew Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Equestrian Victoria
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