Prime Ministers Latest Announcement

Dear Members,

The Prime Minister made an announcement last night, 24 March regarding further nation-wide restrictions in relation to COVID-19. In this, he advised the following, which are relevant to equestrian sport:

• As of Monday 23 March, indoor sporting venues were banned. This includes indoor/enclosed arenas.
• Border closures across the country and a ban on international travel.
• All non-essential gatherings are suspended.
• Where possible, all people should work from home and limit all non-essential activity outside of the home.

Check the update on the Department of Health website for further details.

Equestrian Australia and each of the state-based branches have been in continuous discussions regarding activities which impact our members, and we will continue to monitor and advise on these as they come to light.

In relation to Insurance:

Gow-Gates has reaffirmed its advice that all parties covered by Equestrian Australia insurance must act in accordance with the governing body and governmental guidelines and must demonstrate “reasonable care” to prevent bodily injury including sickness to third parties.

As a result, while equestrian activities in South Australia INCLUDING coaching activities can continue, all activities must be conducted in line with the up to date advice and conditions imposed by government authorities.

Where and if equestrian activities do continue, providers need to ensure they are able to demonstrate reasonable care. Insurers are not able to advise specifically on compliance with the government directives on COVID-19. At the end of the day, if activities are proceeding, the insured party (club, coach etc.) themselves have the obligation to firstly ensure they comply with the relevant government directives and secondly to demonstrate that they are taking Reasonable Care to prevent bodily injury and sickness in line with the policy conditions.

For those people who continue to provide services (i.e. lessons, agistment etc) we recommend the following guidelines;  

You must not attend a lesson/property if you:

1. have travelled internationally or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the last 14 days; or
1. are at a higher risk i.e. over the age of 60 or have a pre-existing medical condition.
2. You must not attend a lesson/property if you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild.
2. If you become unwell whilst attending a lesson, you will be required to self-isolate immediately, contact the organiser and/or coach to advise them of your symptoms. Medical advice should also be sought if required.
3. A lesson must be held over a single day.
4. Only essential participants are to attend i.e. coach and/or member.
5. No canteen facilities are to be provided.
6. No office facilities are to be provided.
7. No sharing of equipment or close contact between individuals.
8. All attendees must practice the following social distancing measures whilst at a lesson or property:
1. Minimise physical contact as much as is practicable, for example no shaking hands or other means of contact, no social gatherings;
2. Ensure a distance of 2 metres is kept between themselves and others;
3. Protective measures must be observed, such as regular hand hygiene practices before, during and after the activity.
4. No spectators. 
9. Adhere to all other Commonwealth and State government COVID-19 requirements, advice and guidelines.

It is important to note that this information is subject to change as new advice becomes available.

Please refer to SA Health and your preferred news provider for further updates as they are announced. 

Kind regards,

Kirsty Dummin,
ESA Manager