The NHA is being inundated with calls from a racing publication and other concerned stakeholders that when attending race meetings many racegoers are not abiding by the Covid-19 protocols.  The Racing Operators have strict guidelines in place and are ensuring that when a person enters the racecourse these guidelines must be adhered to, however, it has been found that unfortunately some are not doing so.  We urge all racegoers to ensure that they do not pose a risk to themselves and others.  Individual responsibility will assist the Operators in ensuring compliance. 

There are huge rumblings that a 5^th wave of this virus is eminent in South Africa.  We have been provided with news that the potential new Omicron sub-variant BA.2 is emerging, and it appears to be more transmissible than the first variant.  A surge in the pattern of transmission has been seen in the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Australia.  International experience shows that the new BA.2 variant can rapidly overtake the current BA.1 variant. 

Based on the above and in order ensure the sustainability of the horseracing industry in South Africa, we urge everyone to continue adhering to the Covid-19 protocols not only whilst attending race meetings, but in general. 

The proven non-pharmaceutical measures of wearing of masks, hand sanitizing/washing and social distancing is critical and it has been proven that the vaccine is effective.  We urge people to vaccinate and take the necessary boosters. Thus far we are proud to be one of the leading sectors that has continued uninterrupted since the beginning of the virus with the exception of the two-month period that our industry was shut down between 27 March until 31 May 2020.  

Whilst we understand the emotional strain and exhaustion this pandemic has created over the past 2 years, people need to understand that whilst the community has gone to sleep on the virus, the virus hasn't gone to sleep on the community.