Update for Equestrian Events and Shows
Dear Members
As per the speech of President Cyril Ramaphosa last night, followed by the issuing of Government Gazette 46078, the approach going forward with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, is that both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50 percent of their capacity provided that the criteria for entrance are proof of vaccination or a COVID test not older than 72 hours. But where there is no provision for proof of vaccination or a COVID test, then the current upper limit will remain – of 1,000 people indoors and 2,000 people outdoors.
A Showholding body/ venue must display the certificate of occupancy which sets out the maximum number of persons the facility may hold.
The changes to the restrictions on gatherings will be of great benefit to our shows and events moving forward.
1. Equestrian Shows/Events of more than 2000 people attending – outdoors
In order for an equestrian show or event with more than 2000 members attending, there are certain guidelines to adhere to.
(a) All attendees must be fully vaccinated and in possession of a valid vaccination certificate; or
(b) If an attendee is unvaccinated but in possession of a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organisation, which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of the gathering, he or she may attend the show/ event.
Showholding bodies/venues are allowed up to 50% of the capacity of the venue: and subject to strict adherence to all health protocols and social distancing measures.
2. Equestrian Shows/Events of less than 2000 people attending – outdoors
These Shows/Events may be attended by people who are not vaccinated or are not in possession of a Covid certificate.
If the venue is too small to hold the prescribed number of persons observing a distance of at least one metre from each other, then not more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue may be used, subject to strict adherence to all health protocols and social distancing measures.
3. Continued use of registers of attendance, and data systems that record the attendance.
This requirement has not fallen away, and inspectors from the police and COGTA still have the authority to ask for those at sports events.
4. The vaccination of all attendees is highly recommended.
The latest scientific data suggests that even persons who have had COVID-19 should be vaccinated to prevent infection, disease and transmission of a new variant. We recommend to the athletes, spectators and staff to all be vaccinated. Let’s get the sport open and avoid future restrictions.
Please note that there are legal implications should a showholding body/ venue not adhere to the guidelines as published in the Government Gazette below.
