Korea Racing Authority Urgently Cancels No-Spectator Races at Seoul Racecourse on the 20th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Korea Racing Authority announced on the 20th that one employee working at the concession stand inside the Seoul Racecourse Jockey Association workplace (Massage Station) tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the urgent cancellation of races without spectators at Seoul Racecourse. The Authority plans to suspend races without spectators at Seoul Racecourse for at least two weeks.

According to the Korea Racing Authority, following an epidemiological investigation by health authorities, three individuals identified as close contacts?including concession stand and restaurant workers within the Seoul Racecourse Jockey Association workplace?underwent COVID-19 testing and have entered self-quarantine. The relevant facilities were immediately closed. The Seoul Racecourse Jockey Association will conduct additional COVID-19 testing and self-quarantine for jockeys and horse handlers who used the facilities, excluding close contacts, and has decided to temporarily suspend workplace operations until the 22nd. The decision on whether to resume normal operations will be made based on the test results.

Following health authorities' guidelines, the Korea Racing Authority has begun thorough disinfection of all facilities related to Seoul Racecourse and will implement work-from-home measures starting the 21st for Seoul-based employees, except for essential personnel, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, races without spectators at Seoul Racecourse will be suspended for at least two weeks.

Previously, the Korea Racing Authority had completely suspended customer entry at metropolitan area workplaces starting from the 4th and expanded this to all workplaces from the 11th. However, to maintain the horse industry foundation and support the livelihoods of those working in the racing industry, races without spectators have been conducted through consultations with related organizations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.