Strict biosecurity restrictions will be in place when punters are allowed to return to Queensland racecourses in stages from Monday.
No one except essential staff, trainers, jockeys and some media have been allowed on Queensland recourses for four months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Racing Queensland and race clubs have received approval for an Industry COVID Safe Plan in which the gates will open to everyone in stages from Monday.
In a statement RQ said In line with the Queensland Government's Roadmap to easing restrictions, clubs who opt-in to the racing industry's COVID Safe Plan would be permitted 20 patrons per designated area during stage two.
This will increase to 100 patrons per designated area during stage three.
In order to be compliant with the COVID Safe Plan, clubs will be required to meet a range of guidelines including the segregation of licensed participants from patrons and social distancing measures including no more than one person per four square metres in each designated area.
Each race club will need to conduct its own site assessment to determine how many designate
In addition to raceday attendance, owners will now be permitted to attend stables and training venues.
Trainers will be responsible for contact tracing as part of stable visits.