The Goulburn Greyhound Racing Club has praised the decision of Greyhound Racing NSW to split NSW into two zones in response to the latest COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the state.
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Zone 1 consists of those living in the locked-down areas of Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, and the Central Coast.
Zone 2, of which Goulburn is a part, consists of all other areas.
GGRC secretary, Pat Day, said the approach was a "sensible" one following last week's announcement.
"No-one in Zone 1 is allowed to nominate, trial, or race at a Zone 2 area," he said.
"The public in Zone 1 are not allowed to attend race meetings, only owners, trainers and officials. No one in Zone 2 is allowed to race in Zone 1.
"All participants in the two zones are to wear masks as per NSW Health Advice and in addition the club will be mandating temperature testing, social distancing and QR Coding requirements at all meetings."
Similarly, all participants in Zone 1 must only travel directly to the racing venue, and must return home immediately following the meeting.
The new rules came into effect on Sunday, June 27, and are expected to be lifted on Saturday, July 10, at the designated end of the current lockdown.
Due to the lockdown, many participants are unable to travel to Sydney and compete as usual.
To offset the potential drop in winnings, GRNSW has offered city stakes at a number of race meets in Zone 2. Goulburn was one of the locations to benefit from an increase in prize money at its meet last Friday, July 2.
"Greyhound Racing NSW must be commended for their quick and decisive action in relation to the zoning of racing and sharing the city prizemoney around the state whilst trainers can't travel," Day said.
"There were six races on Friday's card that the boost city prizemoney helped attract some great competitors."
Though the lockdowns have impacted racing at all levels over the last week, Day said they have become the costs of doing business as the world aims to recover from COVID-19.
"The NSW lockdown actions always impact on our operations, as with all businesses, but it is something we have learnt to live and adapt do over the past 18 months," he said.
"Mask wearing, social distancing and restricted access are a part of everyone's life in 2021."
GRNSW's priority is on health, and it emphasised the need for vigilance throughout the lockdown to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
"We urge everyone to continue to be vigilant when attending race meetings, and if anyone has any cold or flu symptoms, they need to get tested immediately and self-isolate until they have a negative result, and do not attend any track if you are unwell," GRNSW said in a statement.
"GRNSW also reiterates that these new zoning measures are for participants and essential workers only and have been established under the NSW Government's stay-at-home restriction rules for work travel. All tracks as mentioned in zone 1 are not open to the public."
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