Equestrian Queensland Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – 31 March 2020

Equestrian Queensland will continue to provide members with regular updates regarding the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

On Sunday 29 March 2020, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced further restrictions on Non-essential Gatherings. 

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, on your own or with one other
• Attending medical appointments or compassionate visits.

Further to the above the Queensland Government also issued a Home Confinement Direction on 29 March 2020;

The direction requires all Queensland residents to stay in their homes except for:

• shopping for essentials - food and necessary supplies;
• medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements;
• exercise with no more than one other person (unless from your household);
• providing care or assistance to an immediate family member;
• work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.

We also note the additional public health direction and advice from Queensland Health;

• Restriction in Private Residences Direction – That no more than 10 people be present at the residence at any one time

Therefore Equestrian Queensland provides the following advice;

• All Equestrian Queensland 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 comply with the Restriction in Private Residences Direction from Queensland Health and ensure that no more than 10 people are present at any one time whilst 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
• That all activity should occur on the property where the horse is located i.e. do not transport your horse to attend a riding lesson
• That coaches conduct lessons with a single student only at the property where the horse is located and in accordance with all government restrictions, social distancing, hygiene requirements and guidelines from Equestrian Australia and Equestrian Queensland
• That veterinarians and other professional services such as farriers are permitted to attend properties as required whilst complying with all government restrictions, social distancing and hygiene requirements

It is important to note that this information is for members located in Queensland.  The public health restrictions and advice determined by each state government may be and sometimes is different state to state. 

This advice is subject to change as new advice becomes available. 

Please check the Queensland Health website for updates https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19

We take this opportunity to advise members that should you require any support or guidance, please contact us on [email protected]