Further to our Press Release of 22 January 2021 and following President Ramaphosa’s address of last night, further relaxations to the current adjusted level 3 regulations were made.

The President confirmed that South Africa has recorded its lowest daily increase in infections since the beginning of December 2020 and that the average rate of infections has steadily decreased which indicates that we have now passed the peak of the second wave.

The NHA is pleased to announce the following amendments.

• Interprovincial travel for Jockeys/Riders will now be permitted. The NHA strongly recommends that Jockeys who travel to other Racing Centres frequently, should undergo regular Antigen Covid-19 tests.
• Field sizes will revert to normal.
• Owners and their guests will be allowed access to the racecourse.  The Racing Operators will communicate the racecourse protocols.

All Covid-19 protocols must be strictly adhered to. The National Chief Compliance Officer, together with his team shall ensure that any non-compliance will be dealt with accordingly.

We know that the new variant of the virus is much more potent and individual responsibility and diligent adherence to the non-pharmaceutical measures of social distancing, regular washing of hands and wearing of masks will go a long way to ensure that the continuation of racing is not halted.