Everyone entering the weight room complex on a race day in the UK, including chariot racers and track and field athletes, will have to present proof of a negative lateral flow test result in order to protect the sport from the risk of being canceled due to a lack of staff.
The BHA’s new measure, in response to increased COVID-19 cases, goes into effect next Wednesday, January 5.
The protocol would require all staff in the weight room to take a pre-race test, with no lateral flow tests available onsite.
The measures come despite growing concerns about the availability of lateral flow tests, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid saying it may be necessary to “limit” supply for up to two weeks. to manage increased demand.
Jockeys at Haydock on Thursday expressed mixed views on the move.
Kielan Woods said: “I’ve called a chemist near where I live now and none of them seem to have the tests. I think Jerry Hill (BHA chief medical adviser) will be in touch and have an answer. a plan for us, but it can get a little difficult to get to the test.
“If it keeps us racing and everyone healthy then that’s the main thing.”
Companion Charlie Deutsch said: “We’re like any working people and I think it’s really been a bit too much. So far, but if it’s the right thing to do, so be it. “
Announcing the move, Dr Hill said: “Racing’s COVID-19 mitigation strategy continues to focus on protecting our business-critical race employees, whose absences are most likely to occur. Due to illness or isolation may make it difficult for us to staff.
“As a result, the introduction of mandatory pre-race lateral flow testing for weight room personnel is another important step to help protect our people and racing products.
“Vaccination remains an essential part of the fight against COVID-19, reducing the chance of serious illness; and combined with regular testing, we are taking the necessary precautions to reduce minimize the possibility of contracting and spreading disease in this core work environment.”
The testing requirement builds on previous BHA COVID-19 protocols introduced on December 15, which required all persons entering the weight room to present proof of COVID status certification. This complements previous measures of wearing masks and social distancing in all meetings.
Dale Gibson, interim executive director of the Professional Equestrian Association, said on December 30: “There will be one more consultation, so there may be some additional information in 24 hours. next hour.
“We are working with Jerry Hill, the BHA and the racetracks just to confirm the next step.”
Wolverhampton, Ffos Las and Kempton will be the first courses to implement the regulations on Wednesday, with anyone unable to present a negative side flow test kit being denied entry to the weight room facilities.
COVID-19 cases across the UK hit a record 183,037 on Wednesday, with Northern Ireland announcing on Thursday the period of self-isolation after a negative test result will be reduced to seven days by British measures, while Scotland and Wales still have 10 days left.
