Equestrian SA COVID-19 Update – 30 March 2020

Equestrian SA will continue to provide members with constant updates concerning the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

On Friday 27th March 2020, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the requirement that the total number of persons present in a gathering must not exceed one person per 4 square metres. This will differ in other states in Australia, but this is SA's current restrictions.

The advice;
Stay at home unless you are;

• Going to work or education (if you are unable to do so at home)
• Shopping for essential supplies such as groceries, return home without delay
• Going out for personal exercise in the neighbourhood
• Attending medical appointments or compassionate visits.

The regulation requires all South Australians to stay in their homes except for:

• shopping for what you need - food, takeaway, and necessary supplies
• medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements
• exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
• work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.

Exceptions to this limit include:

• people of the same household going out together
• funerals - a maximum of 10 people
• weddings - a maximum of 5 people.

All playgrounds, skate parks and outside gyms in public places will be closed.

National parks remain open at this time, aside from some sites within parks that would generally receive high numbers of visitors. However, visitors must heed the new intrastate travel restrictions.

View the latest Interstate travel restrictions. 

Therefore, Equestrian SA provides the following advice;

• All Equestrian SA affiliated events are to be suspended until further notice
• If you can stay home, you should stay home
• If you need to travel to care for your horse/s, including food, water, exercise etc. you need to comply with all Commonwealth and State health directives
• That members who provide agistment services from their place of residence need to adhere to the restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings and ensure (One person per 4 square metres) while complying with social distancing and hygiene requirements
• That clubs and commercial affiliates who provide agistment services from their property need to comply with the government directions, social distancing and hygiene requirements
• If your horse is in agistment, when caring for your horse, only use your own grooming kit, tack and equipment, do not share your equipment with other people.
• That veterinarians and other professional services such as farriers are permitted to attend properties as required while complying with all government restrictions, social distancing and hygiene requirements. Produce stores will be allowed to remain open.
• That coaches conduct lessons following all government restrictions, social distancing, hygiene requirements and guidelines from Equestrian Australia and Equestrian SA.

It is important to note that this information is for members located in the state of South Australia. The public health restrictions and advice determined by each state government may vary from state to state.  

This information is current as of 27th March 2020, however, is subject to change as new information becomes available.