Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update from Equestrian Victoria
Equestrian Victoria (EV) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our members and community. This is paramount to everything we do.
With the rapidly changing situation around Coronavirus (Covid-19), health authorities are continuing to closely monitor the situation.
EV has received information from a variety of sources including the Victorian State Government, World Health Organisation (WHO), local health authorities, FEI and EA, and are following their advice around the conduct of major events.
The Victorian State Governments current formal advice for events and public gatherings is that they can still go ahead, with people going about their lives as normal.
Therefore, at this point in time, it is “business as usual” with the following major EV events continuing as scheduled:
- PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars – 19 to 21 March 2020
- Jumping Victoria State Titles – 26 to 29 March 2020
- Leader Equine Victorian Interschool Equestrian State Championships – 2 to 6 April 2020
However, as EV works to ensure we are providing the safest environment we can, we also ask that individuals take responsibility for their health and of those around them.
If you are feeling unwell, you should not attend public gatherings or events.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus disease (COVID-19) stay at home (self-quarantine). If you are concerned, please call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
If you have a fever (high temperature), are elderly and/or are experiencing respiratory conditions, especially after travel in the last 14 days, we ask that you do not compete, volunteer or attend an EV event. Please seek medical advice from your nearest doctor or health professional.
EV will conduct an overall risk assessment in the lead up to each scheduled event in correlation with the latest advice around Covid-19 and will act swiftly should the situation change.
In the meantime, the easiest way to protect yourself and event attendees 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.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- 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.
EV will continue to provide updates as they are available, and we suggest you keep up to date with the latest information through: 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 delivering successful events where our members enjoy the opportunity to live their equestrian dream.
Matthew Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Equestrian Victoria