Covid certification explained: what you need to know from December 15

Wednesday, December 15, marks a new phase in the battle against coronavirus as racecourses in England implement the UK government's new plan B measures.

But what exactly do you need to know before you go racing and how should you prepare?

The announcements last week made clear that outdoor gatherings in excess of 4,000 people would be subject to Covid certification and now the BHA and the Racecourse Association have issued precise guidelines as to how that will work.

What do I need to prove to gain entry to a racecourse?

There are only two types of Covid certification which will be allowed for anyone aged 18 or over:

1 Proof that a person has been double vaccinated.

2 A negative PCR or rapid-flow test for Covid-19 taken less than 48 hours before the event.

This is only a requirement for crowds of more than 4,000 but tracks will be within their rights to demand Covid certification if they are uncertain whether they will breach that limit. The public are therefore advised to have certification with them, even for smaller fixtures.

Which forms of Covid certification will I need to show?

The simplest way to comply is to have proof of vaccination or a negative test result uploaded to the NHS or NHS Scotland app on your smartphone.

An official text or email on your phone confirming a negative test is also valid.

NHS Covid passes will be valid to gain entry to racecourses in England from December 15

If you do not own a smartphone, you can present an official paper certificate.

Paper certificates can be obtained by dialling 119 or downloaded from the NHS website.

You should allow seven working days if requesting the Covid Pass letter, which is valid for 30 days.

If you wish to present a Covid Pass letter, make sure it is one suitable for domestic events rather than international travel, as the NHS issues two different types.

Certification for racing participants

From Wednesday, December 15, all those who require access to the weighing-room complex will require either proof of double vaccination or a negative test within the last 48 hours, regardless of the expected attendance.

The only deviation from this will be anyone who has a medical exemption or those taking part in a clinical trial.

Additional requirements for face-coverings

The public is now required to wear masks or face-coverings (unless exempt) in all indoor areas – regardless of the size of crowd – except when consuming food and drink.

Masks will be mandatory for racing professionals in all operational areas, and for the public when indoorsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Face-coverings will be reintroduced in outdoor racing operational areas on British racecourses, including the parade and pre-parade rings, saddling and unsaddling areas, horse walks, racecourse stables, at the start of races and, for jockeys, it is advised they are worn during the race.

Rules in Scotland and Wales

The requirement for Covid certification at outdoor unseated events of more than 4,000 people has been in place in Scotland since October 1. Since December 6 a negative test has been allowed as an alternative form of certification to proof of double vaccination.

The Welsh government introduced the need for Covid certification via either vaccination or a negative test on October 11.

Covid certification in Ireland and Christmas racing festivals

The Irish government requires the presentation of Covid certification to gain access to indoor hospitality areas. Unvaccinated or untested racegoers can enter a racecourse but will not be allowed into indoor spaces without providing proof, usually through the Digital Covid Certificate.

There are no official capacity limits in place but a requirement for table service in indoor settings, with a metre between each table of no more than six people, has forced Leopardstown to reduce its festival crowd cap to 6,000 per day from an intended 10,000.

The first three days at Leopardstown are sold out – advanced tickets are available for December 29 – and it is a similar story at Down Royal in Northern Ireland on December 26.

The public in Northern Ireland are required to provide Covid certification at any race meeting, regardless of the anticipated attendance.

Read this next:

'Minimal disruption' the plan as Newbury prepares for Covid certification

The Racing Post Annual 2022 is here! Look back on a star-studded year in this fabulous 224-page book packed with the best stories and pictures. The perfect gift at £14.99. Order from racingpost.com/shop or call 01933 304858 now!