Preparing for Omicron
As you’ll all be aware, there have been some recent government announcements about what will happen in the event of an Omicron outbreak in the community.
GRNZ is currently preparing for the possibility that Omicron could become widespread in the community in the near future.
In the meantime, we wanted to send you through some key points around the traffic light system, along with a few governmental financial support options that are available in these times, particularly as things can change quickly at a government level.
Traffic Light System
At the moment, all of New Zealand is Orange under the Traffic Light System. However, the Prime Minister announced yesterday that in the event of an Omicron community outbreak, the country will move to Red within 24-48 hours.
We have learnt from previous experience that it is possible to race under Red and we have done this before. While the Traffic Light System places severe restrictions on the activities of unvaccinated people and affects the size of crowds that can attend meetings, it has little effect on raceday operations.
For a refresher on how the Traffic Light System works in a broader sense, head to: https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/
Governmental financial support
You can check out the available financial options here: https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/financial-support-for-businesses/
One of the key options potentially available to people working in the greyhound industry is the Short-Term Absence Payment, which applies when someone has to miss work while waiting for Covid-19 test results.
Short-Term Absence Payment – note that this is also available to eligible self-employed workers
This is available to employers to pay workers who follow public health guidance and stay home while waiting for a Covid-19 test result. It’s also available to eligible self-employed workers. To be eligible, workers need to be unable to work from home and need to miss work while waiting for their test results.
There’s a one-off payment of $359 for each eligible worker. Employers or the self-employed can apply for any worker once in any 30-day period, unless a health official or doctor tells the worker to get another test.
For more information or to apply, head here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/short-term-absence-payment/index.html
We recommend that everyone prepares for the possibility of having to isolate for a period of time, which includes ensuring you have sufficient supplies at home, for both humans and dogs.